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Isolation, Processing and Analysis of Murine Gingival Cells
Published on: July 2, 2013
Immune cells in periapical granuloma: morphological and immunohistochemical characterization
A Piattelli1, L Artese, S Rosini
1Department of Human Pathology, University of Chieti, Italy.
Insights
Periapical granulomas contain monocytes/macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Mast cells may regulate immune responses by interacting with lymphoid cells and absorbing interleukin-2.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oral Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Periapical granulomas are inflammatory lesions at the root apex of teeth.
- The cellular composition and immune mechanisms within these lesions are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular infiltrate and potential immunoregulatory roles of mast cells in periapical granulomas.
Main Methods:
- Light and electron microscopy were used to examine granuloma samples from 12 patients.
- Monoclonal antibodies, including an anti-interleukin-2 receptor antibody, were employed for immunohistochemical staining.
Main Results:
- Monocytes/macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells were the predominant cell types.
- Lymphoid cells exhibited blastic features and close contact with macrophages.
- Interleukin-2 receptor expression was low, primarily on lymphocytes and some mast cells.
- Mast cells, often perivascular, were frequently associated with lymphoid cells.
Conclusions:
- Periapical granulomas feature a complex immune cell infiltrate with macrophage-lymphocyte interactions.
- Mast cells, expressing interleukin-2 receptors and associated with lymphoid cells, may play a regulatory role in the local immune response, potentially through histamine release or interleukin-2 absorption.
Abstract:
Samples of periapical granulomas obtained from 12 patients were examined using light and electron microscopes and monoclonal antibodies. Monocytes/macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells were nearly always the most abundant cell populations. Ultrastructural analysis showed close contacts between macrophages and cells of the lymphoid lineage, with the lymphoid cells frequently demonstrating blastic features. Immunohistochemical staining with the anti-interleukin 2 receptor antibody showed that the concentration of labeled cells was quite low. The vast majority were lymphocytes, though some mast cells were also labeled. Mast cells were chiefly located in perivascular areas and interleukin 2 receptor-positive mast cells were frequently associated with lymphoid cells. mast cells could be part of a negative feedback mechanism in the immune response. By releasing histamine, they would block the immune response and by absorbing interleukin 2 they would remove it as an immune system stimulant.
