Porphyromonas gingivalis-specific serum IgG and IgA antibodies originate from immunoglobulin-secreting cells in inflamed gingiva.

Patients with adult periodontitis (AP) exhibit elevated serum antibody levels to Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) gingivalis; however, it is not known whether these antibodies originate from plasma cells in the local disease site or from peripheral lymphoid tissues. We studied the isotype and subclass levels and origin of antibodies to P. gingivalis fimbriae, since elevated serum anti-fimbriae responses were seen when compared with sera of healthy controls. IgG anti-fibriae titres were dominant and the subclass response was IgG3 much greater than IgG1 greater than IgG2 much greater than IgG4; however, some IgA anti-fimbriae antibodies were also seen. The IgA subclass fimbriae-specific response was mainly IgA1; however, significant IgA2 anti-fimbrae antibodies were seen. We also assessed numbers of anti-fimbriae antibody producing cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBC) and from either healthy or inflamed gingiva of AP subjects. Gingival mononuclear cells (GMC) of AP patients exhibited high numbers of immunoglobulin-producing (spot-forming) cells (SFC) including fimbriae-specific antibody secreting cells in a pattern of IgG greater than IgA greater than greater than greater than IgM. However, low numbers of SFC were seen in GMC from healthy gingiva; further, no anti-fimbriae SFC responses were noted in healthy GMC. Although no fimbriae-specific immunoglobulin-producing cells were seen in PBMC, low numbers of antigen-specific SFC were found in pokeweed mitogen-triggered PBMC from AP subjects. Treatment of AP patients for plaque and surgical removal of inflamed gingiva resulted in significant reductions in serum anti-fimbriae responses. These studies show that AP patients exhibit brisk serum IgG and IgA subclass anti-fimbriae antibodies, whose origin appear to be the plasma cells present in the localized inflamed tissues.     

Adrenergic innervation of the gingiva in experimental periodontitis

In experiments on guinea pigs, the nerve-tissue relationships in gingival papillae were studied under conditions of experimental inflammation induced by local (turpentine injection) and general (whole-body γ-irradiation). It is found that structural and metabolic changes in the lamina propria and epithelium of the gingival mucosa correlate with disturbances in trophic influences from the sympathetic nervous system. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 127, No. 5, pp. 564–568, May, 1999     

Detection of inflammatory cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA)-expressing cells in human inflamed gingiva by combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

Cells expressing messenger RNA (mRNA) for inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-6, IL-8] were demonstrated by in situ hybridization in human inflamed gingiva. When this technique was used in conjunction with immunohistochemistry, IL-1 alpha and/or beta and IL-8 messages were observed predominantly on macrophages infiltrating the gingiva. TNF-alpha messages were abundant on macrophages and T cells. In contrast, the IL-6 mRNA were more widely distributed on many types of cells such as macrophages, T cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and B cells. This study clearly identified the cells which express mRNA for inflammatory cytokines in inflamed gingiva and suggested an involvement of cytokine network in the generation of human periodontitis.     

Antibody synthesis specific for nonoral antigens in inflamed gingiva.

In vitro experimentation indicates that periodontitis-associated bacteria contain potent polyclonal B-cell activators (PBA). We reasoned that if PBA were operative in vivo, plasma cells specific for nonoral antigens should be present in the inflamed gingival tissues, which are characterized by a plasma cell infiltrate. To test this, rabbits with experimental periodontitis were immunized in the hind legs with the histochemically detectable antigen horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or glucose oxidase (GO). At various times after secondary immunization, inflamed gingival tissue was removed, sectioned, and treated histochemically to reveal plasma cells that specifically bound HRP or GO. Remarkably, by 9 days after secondary immunization, hundreds of HRP- or GO-binding plasma cells were found in the inflamed gingival tissue of immunized rabbits. The presence of these plasma cells, observed 7 to 10 days after booster immunization, was further substantiated by the presence of large amounts of locally produced HRP- or GO-specific antibody in gingival crevicular fluid. By 1 month after secondary immunization, the number of antigen-binding plasma cells had decreased dramatically, but a small number of antigen-specific plasma cells were detected for as long as 9 months after secondary immunization. The large number of HRP- or GO-specific plasma cells observed 9 days after immunization led us to see whether recently stimulated cells were more susceptible to PBA. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were obtained at different times after booster immunization and cultured in the presence or absence of a PBA from Fusobacterium nucleatum. At 7 days after immunization, PBL spontaneously differentiated into antibody-forming cells in culture, and this process was enhanced by PBA. In contrast, PBL taken months after immunization produced little antibody in culture, and enhancement by PBA was difficult to detect. Compared with resting B cells, the recently stimulated B cells clearly differentiated more readily into antibody-forming cells. In conclusion, antibody synthesis specific for nonoral antigens did occur in inflamed gingival tissue, and a number of mechanisms, including PBA, probably contributed to this phenomenon.     

Comparison of aminolevulinic-acid-induced fluorescence from normal and inflamed gingiva in the canine model

Fluorescence spectroscopic detection using 5-amino levulinic acid (ALA) may provide an effective, noninvasive approach for early detection of oral cancer. In the present study, the use of ALA-induced fluorescence ratio (red/orange) to differentiate between normal and gingivitis-affected gingiva is investigated. Five dogs with varying degrees of gingivitis are studied. Based on previous studies, a dose of 25 mg/kg of ALA is administered intravenously to the dogs. Autofluorescence and ALA-induced fluorescence from three sites: normal gingiva, pigmented gingiva, and gingivitis, are detected with a fiber optic probe coupled to an optical multichannel analyzer. Four dogs show higher and earlier ALA-induced fluorescence from the gingivitis site as compared to the unpigmented gingiva. In two dogs, ALA-induced fluorescence peaks are seen 15 min after ALA administration. Statistical analysis using mean separation procedures reveal differences in the fluorescence from the various sites in each dog. Using a fluorescence (ratio) cutoff of 1.5, the sensitivity and specificity are found to be 92 and 80%, respectively, 1 h after administration of ALA. The indications from this study-that the characteristic protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence is seen earlier and in higher magnitude in more vascular areas of the oral cavity-has implications for oral cancer diagnosis.     

Chemiluminescence of phagocytic cells in chronic gingivitis and adult periodontitis

Measurement of chemiluminescence (CL) produced by phagocytic cells spontaneously or upon stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was performed in patients with gingivitis and adult periodontitis, and in control healthy subjects. The study was performed simultaneously on phagocytic cells obtained from peripheral blood and from gingival blood, and on crevicular leukocytes. An elevated CL production was obtained in quiescent and PMA-stimulated phagocytic cells from peripheral blood in patients with gingivitis or periodontitis compared to non-diseased controls. Chemiluminescence produced by unstimulated crevicular phagocytes was similar to that of peripheral blood phagocytes in normal subjects, but it was decreased in periodontitis. Upon PMA stimulation, the CL response of crevicular phagocytes remained low in the three groups of subjects.     

Effect of smoking on immunity in human chronic periodontitis

Aim

Evaluate the effects of smoking on dendritic cells (DCs), cytokines, clinical periodontal parameters, and number of teeth in samples of human chronic periodontitis (CP).

Material and methods

Gingival samples were obtained from 24 smokers and 21 non-smokers with CP. Periodontal examination was carried out. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to identify Factor XIIIa+ immature, CD1a+ immature, and CD83+ mature DCs. The inflammatory infiltrate was counted, and IL-2, IL-10, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A were measured using the cytometric bead array (CBA). Inflammatory infiltrate, DCs, cytokines, classification of CP, clinical periodontal parameters, number of teeth, smoking habit in years (SH/years), and number of cigarettes smoked per day (C/day) were correlated and compared.

Results

CD83+ mature DCs decreased in the smokers group. Negative correlations could be observed between the number of C/day with levels of IL-17A and number of teeth. Correlations between smoking, periodontal disease status, and other cytokines were not observed.

Conclusions

Smoking decreases mature DCs in chronic periodontitis. Moreover, a dose-dependent relation can be observed between C/day and number of teeth and levels of IL17A observed. Smokers show a different modulation of the CP immune response.     

Smoking effect on chemokines of the human chronic periodontitis

Aim

Evaluate the effects of smoking on chemokines of the human chronic periodontitis (CP).

Materials and methods

Gingival samples were obtained from 23 smokers (S) and 20 non-smokers (NS) diagnosed with CP. Periodontal examination was performed. The CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL19, CCL20, and CXCL8 chemokine levels were measured in gingival tissues using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Chemokines were compared between S and NS, and were correlated with the number of cigarettes per day (C/day) and time of the smoking habit in years (SH/years).

Results

CCL3 and CXCL8 of S were significantly smaller than that found in NS subjects, whereas the CCL5 levels increased in the S group. Negative correlations could be observed between CCL19 levels and SH/year.

Conclusion

Smoking suppresses the immune response which may contribute to an increased susceptibility to periodontal disease in smokers.     

Identification of spirochetes related to Treponema pallidum in necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis and chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND. Spirochetes are commonly associated with periodontal disease, but it is not known whether these treponemes are pathogenic or merely opportunistic. We sought to determine whether spirochetes present in periodontal disease share antigens thought to be unique to spirochetes that are known pathogens. METHODS. We examined dental plaque from 24 healthy subjects, from ulcerative sites in 17 patients with ulcerative gingivitis, and from areas of involvement in 19 patients with chronic periodontitis, using an immunocyto-chemical technique with monoclonal antibodies against pathogen-specific determinants on 47-kd and 37-kd molecules from Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. Serum was tested against T. pallidum by immunoblotting and by serologic assays for syphilis. RESULTS. Spirochetes with a pathogen-specific epitope on a 47-kd molecule were not found in plaque samples from any of the 24 healthy subjects, but they were identified in plaque samples from 11 of 17 patients with ulcerative gingivitis (P less than 0.001) and from 10 of 19 patients with periodontitis (P less than 0.01). Monoclonal antibodies directed against a 37-kd molecule reacted with spirochetes in plaque samples from 1 of 14 controls, from all 11 patients with gingivitis from whom samples could be obtained (P less than 0.001), and from 14 of 19 patients with periodontitis (P less than 0.001). Five of 18 normal subjects had IgG against 47-kd and 37-kd molecules, but none had IgG against 14-kd or 12-kd molecules from T. pallidum subspecies pallidum. Among 19 patients with ulcerative gingivitis, IgG was identified against 47-kd molecules in 15, against 37-kd molecules in 12, against 14-kd molecules in 4, and against 12-kd molecules in 15. CONCLUSIONS. The spirochetes found in dental plaque from patients with ulcerative gingivitis or chronic periodontitis have antigens that are thought to be unique to pathogenic treponemes. This close antigenic relation suggests that T. pallidum or a closely related organism may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.     

支气管扩张症神经内分泌和免疫活性细胞的变化

应用免疫组化方法对３５例支气管扩张症和１０例正常肺组织中肺内分泌细胞和免疫活性细胞进行观测，并对人的支气管相关淋巴组织（ＢＡＬＴ）进行形态学和免疫组化观察。结果显示：支气管扩张症中，支气管上皮降钙素和五羟色胺阳性细胞显著增多，支气管周围ＩｇＧ、ＩｇＡ和ＩｇＭ阳性细胞以及ＵＣＨＬ，阳性Ｔ细胞显著增多，ＢＡＬＴ明显增生，且ＢＡＬＴ增生的区域肺内分泌细胞和免疫活性细胞增多尤为显著，提示支气管扩张症发病中有神经内分泌和免疫系统参与。     

肿瘤引流淋巴结中免疫活性细胞分布的原位分析

目的:观察人乳腺癌和胃癌局部引流淋巴结(LDLN)从无转移、微转移到晚期转移过程中,免疫组织学变化及免疫活性细胞(ICC)的分布特征。方法:采用传统的病理学方法,对22例乳腺癌LDLN(71个)和7例进展期胃癌LDLN(28个)进行组织形态学分类,并以抗穿孔素、抗颗粒酶B、抗CD8、抗CD56、抗CD68、抗S-100、抗CD134及抗CD25单克隆抗体(mAb)进行催化信号放大(Catalyzedsignalamplification,CSA)免疫组化染色,检测肿瘤LNDN中ICC的分布。结果:肿瘤LDLN中以副皮质区增生和窦组织细胞增生为主,细胞毒性T淋巴细胞(CTL)及树突状细胞(DC)的数量,从无转移、微转移到晚期转移过程中有逐渐减少的趋势。在无和微转移的淋巴结内,穿孔素 、颗粒酶B 及S100 DC的数量高于晚期转移淋巴结(P<0.05);而S100 DC不仅数量减少,而且其形态也有变化,呈多角形、星形,并有胞质突起,与周围淋巴细胞接触呈活化状态的DC变为椭圆形,少有胞质突起或呈短突起的静止状态的DC。CD134 细胞及CD25 细胞的数量在晚期转移淋巴结中明显高于无和微转移淋巴结(P<0.01)。ICC在无和微转移的前哨和非前哨淋巴结中的分布无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:肿瘤LDLN中ICC分布的变化,提示随着肿瘤的进展,其免疫微环境向抑制机体抗肿瘤免疫的方向偏移。     

Leucocyte common antigen expression on T cells in normal and inflamed human gut.

The expression of the 220,000 MW (p220) glycoprotein component of the leucocyte common antigen (LCA) family by intestinal mucosal lymphocytes was studied using the CD45R monoclonal antibody WR16. In normal intestine, a proportion of CD3+ mucosal T cells were WR16+ and this population resided predominantly in the mid-villus and crypt region of lamina propria. In the inflammatory infiltrates of both coeliac disease and Crohn's disease the CD3+, WR16+ population was markedly reduced. The monoclonal antibody UCHL1 identifies the 180,000 MW member of the LCA family and is expressed on T cells and in macrophages. CD3+ lymphocytes expressing this marker were widespread in normal lamina propria and epithelium. In contrast with WR16, UCHL1+ cells remained at a high level in coeliac disease and Crohn's disease. Our results support the view that loss of the p220 molecule occurs upon T-cell activation in inflammation.     

Expression and regulation of human CD275 on endothelial cells in healthy and inflamed mucosal tissues

The CD275-CD278 costimulatory pathway is a new pathway for CD28-B7 family molecules involved in the effector phase of T-cell-mediated immune responses. Expression of CD275 in oral mucosa at healthy and disease states has not been examined. We generated monoclonal antibodies against human CD275 and investigated its expression and regulation in cultured tissue cell lines and oral mucosal tissues. CD275 on monocytes was efficiently upregulated by interleukin-4, while interferon-gamma abrogated this effect. CD275 on cultured endothelial cells (EC) was rapidly enhanced by tumour necrosis factor-alpha. In healthy oral mucosa, CD275 was not detected on keratinocytes, Langerhans cells or intraepithelial lymphocytes within the epithelium or on interstitial dendritic cells or lymphocytes in the sub-epithelium. Constitutive expression of CD275 on EC in the connective tissues was observed in healthy mucosa, but CD275 expression on EC in oral lichen planus was either upregulated or down regulated. Approximately 20% of the T cells found within infiltrating mononuclear cells in the sub-epithelium expressed high levels of the CD278 receptor. CD275 on lymphoid and nonlymphoid cells is positively or negatively regulated by various cytokines. Our results suggest that CD275 on EC is involved in the recruitment or extravasation of receptor-positive effector T cells into inflamed tissues.     

Characterization of CD4+CD25+ natural regulatory T cells in the inflammatory infiltrate of human chronic periodontitis

Periodontitis is an infectious disease, where putative periodontopathogens trigger chronic inflammatory and immune responses against periodontal structures, in which an unbalanced host response is also determinant to the disease outcome. It is reasonable to assume that patient susceptibility to periodontal tissue destruction could be determined by the balance between the response against periodontopathogens and regulatory mechanisms of these events mediated by suppressive T cells. In the present study, we identified and characterized natural regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the inflammatory infiltrate of human chronic periodontitis (CP) with emphasis on phenotypic analyses that were carried out to address the participation of Tregs in CP. Results showed that patients with CP presented increased frequency of T lymphocytes and CD4+CD25+ T cells in the inflammatory infiltrate of gingival tissues. These cells exhibited the phenotypic markers of Tregs such as forkhead box p3 (Foxp3), CTLA-4, glucocorticoid-inducible TNFR, CD103, and CD45RO and seemed to be attracted to the inflammation site by the chemokines CCL17 and CCL22, as their expression and its receptor CCR4 were increased in CP patients. Moreover, besides the increased detection of Foxp3 mRNA, diseased tissues presented high expression of the regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta. In addition, the inflammatory infiltrate in CP biopsies was composed of CD25+Foxp3+ and CD25+TGF-beta+ cells, thus corroborating the hypothesis of the involvement of Tregs in the pathogenesis of CP. Finally, these results indicate that Tregs are found in the chronic lesions and must be involved in the modulation of local immune response in CP patients.