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Published on: August 6, 2019
Ultrastructural analysis of periapical granulomas
1Dental School, University of Chieti, Italy.
Summary
Periapical granulomas involve mononuclear phagocytes and lymphoid cells. These cells interact closely, with monocytes/macrophages showing varied activity, potentially contributing to bone resorption via cytokines like IL-1 and TNF.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Immunology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Periapical granulomas are inflammatory lesions at the root apex.
- These lesions are characterized by a complex cellular infiltrate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular composition and ultrastructural characteristics of periapical granulomas.
- To explore the relationship between different cell types within the granuloma.
- To understand the potential mechanisms of bone resorption in these lesions.
Main Methods:
- Ultrastructural analysis of periapical granuloma tissue.
- Identification and characterization of mononuclear phagocytes and lymphoid cells.
- Assessment of cell-cell interactions and cellular activity states.
Main Results:
- Periapical granulomas are predominantly composed of mononuclear phagocytes and lymphoid cells.
- Monocytes/macrophages exhibit diverse ultrastructural features indicative of varying functional states (phagocytosis and secretion).
- Close contacts between mononuclear phagocytes and lymphoid cells suggest a coordinated interaction.
Conclusions:
- The cellular infiltrate in periapical granulomas is primarily derived from the mononuclear-phagocyte and lymphoid systems.
- Dynamic functional states of monocytes/macrophages are evident within the granuloma.
- Cytokines, such as Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), likely play a significant role in the bone resorption associated with periapical granulomas.
