Effect of lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis on prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-1β release from rat periosteal and human gingival fibroblasts in vitro

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was extracted from Porphyromonas gingivalis (W83) by the Westphal procedure, nuclease-digested and ultracentrifuged. Fibroblasts were obtained from human gingival tissue and rat periosteum, grown to confluence then stimulated in serum-free medium with 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0μg/ml LPS. The levels of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) released were measured after 2, 4 and 6 d by specific radioimmunoassays. Unstimulated gingival fibroblasts produced low levels of PGE₂ (24.5 ± 1.5 (SD) ng/ml) and IL-1β (0.34 ± 0.29 ng/ml). LPS stimulated statistically significant dose-related increases hi PGE₂ and IL-1β at the concentrations of LPS tested. At 10.0μg/ml, LPS-stimulated fibroblasts produced 363.5 ± 40.3 ng/ml PGE, and 1.81±0.1 ng/ml IL-1β in 6 d. These results demonstrate that LPS from P. gingivalis is capable of stimulating PGE, and IL-1β release from fibroblasts. This would appear to be an additional mechanism by which LPS can induce tissue breakdown in periodontal disease.     

Interleukin-6 production in human fibroblasts derived from periodontal tissues is differentially regulated by cytokines and a glucocorticoid

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is thought to be a major mediator of the host's defense against infection, and it regulates immune responses in inflamed tissue. In this study, we investigated the regulation of IL-6 production in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLF). Pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-lα, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α stimulated IL-6 production in HGF and HPLF in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This IL-lα, IL-lβ, or TNF-α-induced IL-6 production was enhanced, but the cAMP accumulation they induced was inhibited by the addition of indomethacin. This result suggests that endogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) partially inhibits IL-l or TNF-α-induced IL-6 production, and that the enhancement of IL-6 production by IL-l or TNF-α may not be caused through endogenous PGE2-induced cAMP-dependent pathway. Dexamethasone (DEX), a glucocorticoid which is a inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) activation, markedly inhibited IL-l (α or β) or TNF-α-induced IL-6 production; so this production may be partially mediated through NF-kB. IL-l (α or β) and TNF-α enhanced IL-6 production synergistically. IL-6 production in HGF or HPLF stimulated with IL-lβ was augmented by the addition of interferon (IFN)-(gama), but was slightly suppressed by the addition of IL-4. Endogenous IL-6 enhanced IL-l (α or β)-induced IL-6 production in the presence of IL-6 soluble receptor (IL-6sR). Accordingly, in inflamed periodontal tissues, gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament fibroblasts stimulated with pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-l or TNF-α, may produce IL-6, and this production can be differentially modulated by endogenous PGE2, IL-6sR, T cell-derived cytokines such as IFN-(gama) or IL-4, and glucocorticoids.     

Triclosan reduces prostaglandin biosynthesis in human gingival fibroblasts challenged with interleukin-1 in vitro

Abstract The effect of the toothpaste ingredient triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxyldiphenyl ether) on the prostaglandins biosynthesis in human gingival fibroblasts challenged with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) was studied in vitro. When gingival fibroblasts were treated simultaneously with triciosan and IL-1β, the stimulatory effect of IL-1β on prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and PGI₂ formation was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by triclosan. Triclosan also reduced the PGE: formation induced by TNFα. Furthermore, the capacity of IL-1β to induce release of [³H] arachidonic acid from prelabelled gingival fibroblasts was reduced in the presence of triclosan. Addition of exogenous unlabelled arachidonic acid (AA) to the cells resulted in enhanced PGE₂ formation which was reduced by triclosan. The upregulation of the metabolism of AA to PGE₂ induced by IL-lβ, was markedly reduced in the presence of triclosan. The study indicates that the stimulatory effect of IL-1β on prostanoid formation (PGE₂, PGI₂) in human gingival fibroblasts was diminished in the presence of triciosan partly at the level of phospholipase A₂ and partly at the level of cyclooxygenase. The present data that triclosan. in vitro, inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins suggests that this can be an aspect of its clinical effect on gingivitis, in addition to its antibacterial effect.     

Prostaglandin F2alpha upregulates interleukin-6 production in human gingival fibroblasts

Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) is a bioactive lipid mediator which has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. However, the roles of PGF2alpha in periodontal lesions are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effect of PGF2alpha on interleukin (IL)-6 production in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). PGF2alpha stimulated IL-6 production in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. IL-1beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), proinflammatory cytokines, induced IL-6 production in a time-dependent manner, and PGF2alpha synergistically enhanced IL-6 production induced by IL-1beta and TNFalpha. IL-6 mRNA was expressed in PGF2alpha-stimulated HGF, and PGF2alpha increased IL-6 mRNA levels induced by IL-1beta and TNFalpha. Fluprostenol, a selective FP receptor agonist, could mimic PGF2alpha-induced IL-6 production. Since FP receptors are coupled to elevation of intracellular calcium and activation of protein kinase C (PKC), the mechanism of IL-6 production by PGF2alpha was investigated using TMB-8, an inhibitor of Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores, and calphostin C, an inhibitor of PKC. TMB-8 significantly suppressed PGF2alpha-induced IL-6 production, whereas calphostin C showed a stimulatory effect on PGF2alpha-induced IL-6 production. From these data, we suggest that PGF2alpha upregulates IL-6 production through FP receptors in HGF, that PGF2alpha synergistically enhances IL-6 production in IL-1beta- and TNFalpha-stimulated HGF, and that PGF2alpha-induced IL-6 production may be dependent on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and be downregulated by PKC activation. PGF2alpha may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease by enhancing IL-6 levels in periodontal lesions.     

Effects of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate on human gingival fibroblasts

Objective: Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-P) was compared to chlorhexidine (CHX) in order to determine potential cytotoxic and immune-modulatory effects on human gingival fibroblasts.

Materials and methods: Cytotoxic effects of PHMG-P and CHX on human gingival fibroblasts were assessed using cell viability assay at various time points and concentrations. The effects of PHMG-P and CHX on the secretion of prostaglandin (PG) E₂, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 by non-stimulated or IL-1β stimulated fibroblasts were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results: PHMG-P concentration 0.00009% led to the total loss of fibroblast viability within 24?h, whereas inhibition of fibroblast viability by CHX occurred at significantly higher concentrations of 0.0009% (p?p?2, IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-1. Treatment of IL-1β stimulated fibroblasts in combination with PHMG-P or CHX at concentrations of 0.000045 or 0.0.00009% resulted in significantly decreased PGE₂, IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-1 levels. PHMG-P or CHX alone did not affect the baseline secretion of PGE₂, IL-6, IL-8 or MMP-1 by gingival fibroblasts.

Conclusions: Cytotoxic effects on gingival fibroblasts were triggered by both PHMG-P and CHX at concentrations below those used in clinical practice. The tested antiseptics did not cause inflammation and reduced IL-1β-induced secretion of inflammatory mediators and collagenase by gingival fibroblasts, which suggests anti-inflammatory properties.     

Increased expression of C-reactive protein gene in inflamed gingival tissues could be derived from endothelial cells stimulated with interleukin-6

Background

Epidemiological studies have suggested periodontitis as a risk factor for ischemic heart disease. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a predictor of cardiovascular risk, is elevated in periodontitis patients. Therefore, local infection-induced elevation of systemic CRP could account for the relationship between the 2 diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of CRP production in the periodontal tissues has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify the mechanism of CRP production in periodontal tissues.

Methods

Gene expression of CRP in gingival biopsies was analysed by quantitative PCR. Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs), human gingival fibroblasts (HGFBs), and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were characterized for CRP-producing ability by incubating with interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), and Porphyromonas gingivalis strain W83.

Results

Gene expression of CRP is significantly elevated in periodontitis lesions compared with gingivitis lesions. HCAECs, but not HGECs and HGFBs, produced CRP in response to IL-6 and IL-1β in the presence of sIL-6R. In contrast to IL-6, the effect of IL-1β on CRP production was indirect via induction of IL-6. IL-1β was produced by HGECs and HGFBs with stimulation of P. gingivalis antigens.

Conclusion

These results suggest that CRP induced locally by periodontal infection may play another role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, and to a much lesser extent, has the potential to modulate systemic CRP level by extra-hepatic CRP production.     

The induction expression of human β-defensins in gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts

ObjectiveThe gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts can produce antimicrobial peptides when stimulated by inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of the present study was to test whether gingival keratinocytes and gingival fibroblasts respond differently to inflammatory cytokine activation. This will enable us to understand the chronic inflammatory response in the process of periodontal disease.DesignGingival keratinocytes and fibroblasts were isolated and treated with different concentrations of IL-1β and quantitative real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the induced expressions of hBD-1, hBD-2 and hBD-3. The induced response was compared between the gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts. The inhibitors of p38 protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were applied to explore the molecular mechanism during the induction of hBDs in both cells.ResultsThe results showed that the hBDs expressions were found to be induced by different concentrations of IL-1β, but with several differences between gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts. The hBDs mRNA expression in gingival fibroblasts was more sensitive compared with keratinocytes to different concentrations of IL-1β. The hBD-1 and hBD-3 expressions in these two cells were down-regulated by IL-1β and hBD-2 expression was up-regulated. The inflammatory cytokine IL-1β had dual effect on hBDs expression.ConclusionsThe gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts respond differently to the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β which indicated different roles played by the two cells in the host defense. The dual effect of IL-1β on hBDs expression may contribute to the defensins down-regulation in periodontal disease.     

Intracellular interleukin-1 alpha production in human gingival fibroblasts is differentially regulated by various cytokines.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) may play a critical role in immune and inflammatory responses in inflamed gingiva, and it is synthesized by a wide variety of host cells. In this study, we examined the regulatory effects of various cytokines on bioactive membrane IL-1 and intracellular IL-1 alpha production in cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Recombinant human (rh) IL-1 beta stimulated membrane IL-1 activity, which was mainly attributed to IL-1 alpha. rhIL-1 beta and rh tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha stimulated HGF to produce intracellular IL-1 alpha, whereas rh interleukin-6 (IL-6), rh interleukin-4 (IL-4), and rh interferon (IFN)-gamma did not do so. Intracellular IL-1 alpha production induced by rhIL-1 beta or rhTNF-alpha may be partially related to protein kinase C (PKC) activation, because rhIL-1 beta or rhTNF-alpha-induced intracellular IL-1 alpha production was stimulated by pre-treatment with 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a PKC activator, but was suppressed by the pre-treatment with 1-(5-isoquinoline-sulfonyl) -2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride (H-7), which is a PKC inhibitor. rhIL-4 inhibited rhIL-1 beta- or rhTNF-alpha-induced intracellular IL-1 alpha production, but rhIL-6 had no effect on this production. Pre-treatment with rh IFN-gamma remarkably enhanced intracellular IL-1 alpha production induced by subsequent treatment with rhIL-1 beta or rhTNF-alpha. Simultaneous treatment with rhIFN-gamma and rhIL-1 beta inhibited rhIL-1 beta-induced intracellular IL-1 alpha production, but co-treatment with rhIFN-gamma and rhTNF-alpha enhanced rhTNF-alpha-induced intracellular IL-1 alpha production. These results suggest that in inflamed gingiva, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha may induce bioactive intracellular IL-1 alpha production in human gingival fibroblasts and that this production can be differentially modulated by T-cell-derived cytokines such as IFN-gamma or IL4.     

Coordinate production of PGE,and IL-1β in the gingival crevicular fluid of adults with periodontitis: its relationship to alveolar bone loss and disruption by twice daily treatment with ketorolac tromethamine oral rinse

The inflammatory mediators prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) play critical roles in the inflammatory process leading to alveolar bone and connective tissue loss in periodontal disease. Data from a previously published 6-month clinical study demonstrated that twice daily use of 0.1% ketorolac tromethamine oral rinse prevented alveolar bone loss in adults with periodontitis. We further analyzed data from this study to examine the relationship between PGE₂, IL-1β and bone loss. Patient mean PGE₂, and IL-1β levels in gingival crevicular fluid (M-GCF) measured throughout the course of the study were directly compared to the maximum amount of alveolar bone height loss observed at a single study site in each patient. The maximum amount of bone loss measured was chosen for the analysis since the pattern of bone loss was clearly episodic in nature. A statistically significant correlation (r = 0.73, p = 0.001) exists between M-GCF PGE₂ concentration and the maximum amount of bone height lost at individual patient study sites. The correlation between M-GCF IL-1β concentration and maximum bone height lost is also statistically significant (r = 0.66, p = 0.005). Over the 6-month duration of the study, both PGE, and IL-1β were coordinately expressed in the placebo treatment group as reflected in the significant correlation between M-GCF concentrations of the 2 mediators (r=0.81, p<0.001). Treatment of patients with 0.1% ketorolac tromethamine twice daily for 6 months resulted in reductions of PGE, in GCF and a negligible correlation between M-GCF PGE, and M-GCF IL-1β (r=0.42, p=0.088). This lack of a strong association between the 2 mediators in the ketorolac treatment group provides a direct biochemical readout of the anti-inflammatory efficacy of ketorolac tromethamine oral rinse in patients with periodontitis. Further studies are warranted to determine the full diagnostic potential of M-GCF levels of PGE₂, and IL-1β for predicting risk of alveolar bone loss in patients with periodontitis and monitoring periodontal therapy effectiveness.     

Transforming growth factor-beta stimulates interleukin-11 production by human periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is a potent multifunctional polypeptide, abundant in the bone matrix. Interleukin (IL)-11 is a pleiotropic cytokine with effects on multiple cell types. The present study was performed to evaluate the regulatory effects of TGF-beta on IL-11 production by human periodontal ligament cells (PDL) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The expression of TGF-beta receptor in PDL and HGF were observed using flow cytometry. PDL and HGF were stimulated with TGF-beta with or without protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors and activator. IL-11, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and TGF-beta mRNA expression was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). IL-11 production was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: PDL and HGF expressed both TGF-beta receptor I and TGF-beta receptor II on the cell surfaces. IL-11 mRNA expression and IL-11 production were augmented by TGF-beta in both PDL and HGF, with higher values in PDL. PKC inhibitors partially suppressed TGF-beta-induced IL-11 production in PDL and HGF, whereas activator enhanced it. TGF-beta mRNA and BMP-2 mRNA expression were up-regulated by TGF-beta in PDL. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that PDL produce IL-11 in response to TGF-beta.     

Effects and interactions of tumour necrosis factor α and bradykinin on interleukin-1 production in gingival fibroblasts

Effects of and interactions between tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and bradykinin (BK) on production of interleukin-1 (IL-lα, IL-lβ) in human gingival fibroblasts were studied. The cytokine TNFα induced production of cell-associated IL-lα and IL-1β in gingival fibroblasts, with IL-lβ being most abundant. Addition of BK, in the presence of TNFα, for 1 h and 6 h, respectively, synergistically enhanced the TNFα induced IL-lβ production, whereas BK alone did not induce 1L-1 production. Similar to BK, two phorbol esters, phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (PDBu) and phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) which are known to stimulate protein kinase C (PKC), synergistically enhanced the TNFα induced IL-lβ production in the gingival fibroblasts. On the contrary, a phorbol ester which does not activate protein kinase C, 13-phorbolacetate (13-PA), did not potentiate the TNFα induced IL-lβ production. Similar to BK, the phorbol esters (PMA, PDBu, 13-PA) alone did not induce IL-1β production in the gingival fibroblasts. The results indicate that TNFα induces production of cell-associated IL-1 in gingival fibroblasts, which can be upregulated by a PKC dependent pathway.     

Adenosine regulates the production of interleukin-6 by human gingival fibroblasts via cyclic AMP/protein kinase A pathway

Adenosine has been reported to alter a variety functions of the cells that participate in inflammatory responses. However, the effect(s) of adenosine on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), one of the immunomodulator cells in inflamed periodontal lesions, remains to be established. In this study, we examined the influence of adenosine on the production of interleukin (IL)‐6 by HGF. Ligation of adenosine receptors with adenosine or its related analogue, 2‐chloroadenosine (2‐CADO), increased IL‐6 production by HGF without any other stimuli. In addition, adenosine and 2‐CADO enhanced the cyclic AMP (cAMP) level in HGF as did prostaglandin E₁(PGE₁) and forskolin. Interestingly, these cAMP‐arising reagents and the permeable cAMP analogue, dibutyryl cAMP (dbtcAMP), also increased IL‐6 production by HGF. These results suggest that cAMP is involved in adenosine‐ induced IL‐6 production by HGF. Adenosine‐induced IL‐6 production was suppressed by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H89, indicating that cAMP/PKA pathway is involved in the induction. Moreover, the experiments using antagonists specific for adenosine receptor subtypes revealed that the adenosine‐induced IL‐6 production by HGF was, at least in part, mediated by the adenosine A2b receptor. These results provide new evidence for the possible effects of adenosine or its related analogue as an immunomodulator in inflammatory periodontal lesions.     

Toll‐Like Receptor 2 Knockdown Modulates Interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 but not Stromal Derived Factor‐1 (SDF‐1/CXCL12) in Human Periodontal Ligament and Gingival Fibroblasts

Background: Fibroblasts are now seen as active components of the immune response because these cells express Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), recognize pathogen‐associated molecular patterns, and mediate the production of cytokines and chemokines during inflammation. The innate host response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis is unusual inasmuch as different studies have reported that it can be an agonist for Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) and an antagonist or agonist for Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). This study investigates and compares whether signaling through TLR2 or TLR4 could affect the secretion of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and stromal derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1/CXCL12) in both human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLF). Methods: After small interfering RNA‐mediated silencing of TLR2 and TLR4, HGF and HPDLF from the same donors were stimulated with P. gingivalis LPS or with two synthetic ligands of TLR2, Pam2CSK4 and Pam3CSK4, for 6 hours. IL‐6, IL‐8, and CXCL12 mRNA expression and protein secretion were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Results: TLR2 mRNA expression was upregulated in HGF but not in HPDLF by all the stimuli applied. Knockdown of TLR2 decreased IL‐6 and IL‐8 in response to P. gingivalis LPS, or Pam2CSK4 and Pam3CSK4, in a similar manner in both fibroblasts subpopulations. Conversely, CXCL12 remained unchanged by TLR2 or TLR4 silencing. Conclusion: These results suggest that signaling through TLR2 by gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts can control the secretion of IL‐6 and IL‐8, which contribute to periodontal pathogenesis, but do not interfere with CXCL12 levels, an important chemokine in the repair process.     

Functional TLRs and NODs in human gingival fibroblasts

Since human gingival fibroblasts are the major cells in periodontal tissues, we hypothesized that gingival fibroblasts are endowed with receptors for bacterial components, which induce innate immune responses against invading bacteria. We found clear mRNA expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR)1, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, MD-2, MyD88, NOD1, and NOD2 in gingival fibroblasts. Gingival fibroblasts constitutively expressed these molecules. Upon stimulation with chemically synthesized ligands mimicking microbial products for these receptors, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, was markedly up-regulated. Furthermore, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by TLR and NOD ligands was significantly inhibited by an RNA interference assay targeted to NF-kappaB. These findings indicate that these innate immunity-related molecules in gingival fibroblasts are functional receptors involved in inflammatory reactions in periodontal tissues, which might be responsible for periodontal pathogenesis.     

The interplay of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and cytokines in periodontal health and disease

Aim: Periodontal pathogenesis is characterized by Gram-negative bacteria activation of series of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines from host cells through the pathway of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS-binding protein (LBP) and CD14. The present study investigated the expression profiles of interleukin (IL)-1 β and IL-10 in periodontal health and disease, and examined the effects of Escherichia coli LPS and LBP interaction on the expression of IL-1 β and IL-10 by human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).
Material and Methods: Gingival biopsies were collected from 44 subjects with chronic periodontitis and 15 periodontally healthy subjects. The expression of IL-1 β and IL-10 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of IL-1 β and IL-10 in HGF was detected by RT-PCR with or without recombinant human LBP (rhLBP), while the peptides were analysed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: IL-1 β was detected in both oral sulcular epithelia of healthy controls and periodontal pocket epithelia of patients. IL-10 was mainly expressed in the intercellular spaces of connective tissues. IL-1 β displayed a reverse pattern of expression levels with reference to IL-10, and a negative correlation existed between LBP and the ratio of IL-1 β /IL-10. rhLBP suppressed E. coli LPS-induced IL-1 β expression by HGF.
Conclusion: An appropriate interplay of LBP and cytokines may have a beneficial effect on innate host defence, thereby contributing to periodontal homeostasis.     

The influence of prostaglandins on steroid conversions by human gingival fibroblasts

The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of prostaglandins E₁ and E₂ (PGE₁ and PGE₂) on the accumulation, release and metabolism of C₁₉ steroids by human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and gingivae, due to their anabolic potential in inflammatory repair. For the accumulation studies, HGF were incubated with 14C-testosterone at timed intervals and the cell-digests analysed for label uptake. The release of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by HGF was studied by preincubating the cells with 14C-DHT and reincubating with cold steroid to quantify its release at timed intervals. For the metabolic studies, HGF/gingival tissue were incubated with 14C-testosterone and serial concentrations of PGE₁ and PGE₂ to study their effects on the synthesis of DHT. The incubations were terminated at 24 h and extracted metabolites were analysed and quantified. The accumulation of 14C-testosterone by human gingival fibroblasts was elevated 3-fold at 24 h by PGE₁ (n = 3, p < 0.001; 1-way ANOVA). The release of 14C-DHT was enhanced nearly 2-fold by PGE_X (n = 3, p < 0.001), compared with controls. Both PGE₁ and PGE₂ caused 2-fold increases in DHT synthesis by HGF and 3-fold increases in 4-androstenedione formation (n=4, p < 0.001). With the tissue incubations PGE₁/PGE₂ caused 3-4-fold increases in DHT synthesis (n = 5, p<0.005; Wilcoxon signed rank statistic for paired observations). Direct stimulation of the accumulation/release and metabolism of these steroids by prostaglandins in gingivae may contribute to the anabolic potential of androgens in inflammatory periodontal disease.