Lymphocyte transformation responses in gingivitis and periodontitis. A review

Recent research in oral immunology has implied that cell-mediated immune reactions are a possible pathogenic mechanism in gingivitis and periodontitis. The basis for the most commonly used in vitro test, lymphocyte transformation, and the possible interpretation are explained. The application of this test to a study of medically healthy subjects with varying degrees of periodontal disease yielded conflicting results. Previous reports in the literature have not established a relationship between blastogenic responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes in periodontally diseased patients, and their disease status. The possibility of subclinical sensitization is discussed, although a cause-and-effect relationship has not been proven.