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PubMed1997

Comparisons of modalities of mechanical stimulation with a toothbrush on improvement of oxygen sufficiency in dog gingiva.

Mechanical stimulation with a toothbrush was applied to each quadrant of 10 dogs at a force of 200 g for 10 s using following modalities: vibration at attached gingiva, pressurization at attached gingiva, vibration at marginal gingiva and no treatment as a control. Hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SO2) in the gingiva was measured by non-invasive tissue reflectance spectrophotometry. Simultaneously, oxygen tension (pO2) in gingival tissue was monitored with an oxygen microelectrode. Both SO2 and pO2 increased within 10-20 min after stimulation and then slowly returned to the initial level at all treatment sites. The response was most prominent after vibration at attached gingiva. SO2 and pO2 increased by 12% and 42%, respectively, and significant increase continued for 75-85 min. Response after vibration at marginal gingiva was moderate in pO2 and transient in SO2. Pressurization at attached gingiva caused moderate response in SO2, but the increase in pO2 was slight. Control showed little change in both indices. These results suggest that vibration with a toothbrush at attached gingiva may cause a maximal response in improving oxygen sufficiency to gingival tissue.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1989

Immunohistochemical study of neurochemical markers in gingiva obtained from periodontitis-affected sites.

Immunohistochemical methods have been used to study the occurrence of neuronal markers in human gingiva from periodontitis-affected sites. In periodontitis-affected buccal gingiva densely distributed neurofilament (NF)-immunoreactive (IR) fiber bundles were observed in the deeper parts of the propria, while NF-IR single fibers occurred in the superficial propria and occasionally in the buccal epithelium. Periodontitis-affected gingiva obtained from interproximal sites showed only sparsely distributed NF-IR fibers. Single nerve fibers immuno-reactive to the peptides substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide occurred close to or within the epithelium in both buccal and interproximal gingiva. Around blood vessels neuropeptide Y-, peptide histidine-isoleucine amide- and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-IR fibers were occasionally observed, while clusters of gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-IR cells were found in the propria, in addition to gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormone IR nerve fibers. Somatostatin-IR dendritic cells were seen in epithelium and propria of buccal and interproximal gingiva, although a high variability in the number of SOM-IR cells was observed. All neuronal markers studied showed a similar distribution in material obtained from young patients with clinically healthy gingivae, although the number of NF-IR fibers in the propria in these subjects was lower. The results demonstrate that in gingiva obtained from periodontitis-affected sites several different biologically active peptides occur in both nerve fibers and cells. At least some of these substances could possible play a role in the inflammatory process. However, since clinically normal gingiva was shown to contain nerve fibers and cells expressing immunoreactivity to the substances studied, no unique periodontitis-induced expression of the neuronal markers studied was found. Thus, any alteration of these substances during the periodontitis process remains to be elucidated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation of clinically healthy and inflamed gingiva in human subjects.

The hemoglobin concentration (Hb index) and oxygen saturation (apparent SO2) in human gingiva were estimated by tissue reflectance spectrophotometry (TRS). The gingiva had significantly lower Hb index and higher apparent SO2 than those in alveolar mucosa, but there was no difference in either parameter among different gingival areas. The reproducibility in repeated measurements was high for both Hb index and apparent SO2 in gingiva. In inflamed gingiva, Hb index was significantly higher than that in clinically healthy gingiva. A lower apparent SO2 was observed in inflamed gingiva. This suggests that the increase in blood supply is insufficient to meet the oxygen demand in inflamed gingiva. There were significant correlations between either the Hb index or the apparent SO2 and the clinical parameters of gingival inflammation such as gingival index, plaque index, Periotron score and probing depth. Thus, TRS may be clinically available to estimate the blood volume and oxygen saturation in inflamed gingiva.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Acellular dermal matrix allografts to achieve increased attached gingiva. Part 2. A histological comparative study.

BACKGROUND: In part 1 of this study, we compared the clinical efficacy of freeze-dried acellular dermal matrix (ADM) allograft in 6 patients with autogenous free gingival graft (FGG) in 6 patients for increasing the width of attached gingiva in the mandibular anterior area. The purpose of the present study was to histologically compare the microstructure of ADM and FGG treated sites from the same group. METHODS: Biopsies were harvested from all 12 patients at 6 months postsurgery. The biopsies included the grafted sites with adjacent alveolar mucosa and gingiva propria and also donor palatal mucosa saved at the time of surgery. The 5 microm thick, neutral buffered formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, and Verhoeff-van Gieson stains in order to investigate the density of collagen and elastic fibers. Additional sections were stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Papanicolaou's stain to identify the presence of glycogen granules in the epithelial layer and to highlight the keratin layer respectively. RESULTS: The unique appearance of ADM-derived tissue did not parallel any known oral mucosa. The connective tissue portion contained dense to extremely dense collagen fibers along with scattered elastic fibers. The demarcations between the ADM graft and the coronal gingiva as well as the apical alveolar mucosa were usually not very defined. A moderate to thin epithelial layer, with heterogeneous expression of keratinization and flat epithelium-connective tissue interface, covered the lamina propria. Both the thickness of the epithelium and the degree of keratinization decreased in apical direction, being mostly para- or orthokeratinized in the area close to gingiva and non-keratinized adjacent to the alveolar mucosa. In the FGG-treated sites, the density of collagen fibers was less than in ADM-derived tissue, palatal mucosa, and gingiva. Elastic fibers were very sparse, comparable to gingiva, but much less than in ADM-derived tissue. The epithelium was moderate, somewhat thinner but the shape of the rete ridges resembled that of palatal mucosa. Similar to gingiva epithelium, the epithelium of the FGG-treated area was relatively uniform in both thickness and keratinization, mostly para-keratinized with a well defined border to the non-keratinized alveolar mucosa. Underneath the FGG-alveolar mucosa junction, a scar band composed of extremely dense collagen fibers consistently existed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this 6-month histological evaluation suggest that: 1) the resultant tissue types of ADM grafts were similar to "scar" tissue; 2) the non-vital dermal matrix of ADM allograft lacked the capability of directing cyto-differentiation of the covering epithelium; 3) autogenous FGG-derived tissue was neither identical to donor palatal mucosa nor to adjacent gingiva propria; 4) the connective tissue of donor palatal mucosa only partially contributed to the differentiation of the epithelium covering the FGG-treated area; and 5) the epithelium/connective tissue microenvironment surrounding the recipient site influenced the epithelial differentiation of the graft; this may play a more critical role in ADM grafting than in the grafting of autogenous FGG.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Discoloration of gingiva in the presence of fixed dental restorations].

AIM: To investigate the frequency of discoloration of gingiva in the presence of fixed dental restorations, regarding the type of alloy of which restorations were made, and to show histopathological changes of discolored gingiva. METHODS: One hundred and eighty four patients of both sexes were examined. The average age of the examinees was 52. They were divided into four groups according to the alloys from which their restorations were made. Standardized history questionnaires and clinical examination procedures were developed for this study. In ten examinees, whose teeth were indicated for extraction and who had a discoloration of gingiva, the samples of tissue were taken from the discolored gingiva for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Our results showed the presence of discolored gingiva in all four groups. It was most frequent in the examinees with fixed restorations made of Ni-Cr alloy (43,5%) and less frequent in those with fixed dental restorations made of gold alloy (26,5%). Histopathological examination showed the presence of tissue foreign body granulomas with giant cells in which the metal particles were found, partially as small and partially as large particles. CONCLUSION: Results suggested that grayish discoloration of gingiva was present in all four groups of examinees. The highest number of examinees with discolored gingiva was in the group with restorations made of Ni-Cr alloy. Grayish discoloration of gingiva was a consequence of incorporation of metal particles into gingival tissue.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Improvement of macromolecular clearance via lymph flow in hamster gingiva by low-power carbon dioxide laser-irradiation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although therapeutic effects of low-power laser-irradiation on periodontal disease have been reported, little is known about the biological effects of laser-irradiation in the gingiva. Recently we reported that topical warming stimulated macromolecular clearance via lymph flow in hamster gingiva. This study was conducted to investigate whether low-power laser-irradiation affects macromolecular clearance via the lymph flow in the gingiva. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We injected 14C-methylated albumin into the mandibular gingiva of anesthetized hamsters followed by topical carbon dioxide (CO2) laser-irradiation (30 seconds, 0.5-1.5 W). We measured the clearance of radiolabeled albumin from the gingiva and its drainage into submandibular lymph nodes during 10 minutes. RESULTS: The clearance of the radiolabeled albumin from the gingiva and the influx into the submandibular lymph nodes were increased by CO2 laser-irradiation. CONCLUSION: Low-power CO2 laser-irradiation improves macromolecular clearance via the lymph flow in hamster gingiva.

Albumins↗
PubMed1986

A clinical study of the width of the attached gingiva in the deciduous, transitional and permanent dentitions.

This study involved 331 individuals who were without clinical evidence of gingival inflammation. The width of the keratinized gingiva and the depth of the gingival sulcus were measured on the mid-facial aspect of all teeth in each patient, using a calibrated, flat periodontal probe. The mean width of the attached gingiva did not show an increase from the deciduous to the permanent dentition. However, the width of the attached gingiva in the case of newly erupted permanent teeth was narrower than in the corresponding primary teeth. The widest zone of attached gingiva was found over the central and lateral incisors. The width of the attached gingiva decreased over the canine and the first premolar (and first primary molar). It then increased over the second premolar (and second primary molar) and the first molar. These variations were approximately the same in both the maxilla and the mandible, although there was a greater over-all width of attached gingiva in the maxilla than in the mandible. The tendency, in the permanent dentition, for the attached gingiva to increase in width with age was related to a concomitant decrease in sulcus depth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Reproducibility and accuracy of automated probe measurements of gingiva and bone levels on stone casts following guided bone regeneration treatment.

OBJECTIVES: For evidence-based evaluation of guided bone regeneration (GBR), accurate registration of changes in gingiva and bone levels is needed. A new method is introduced and evaluated. METHODS: In a clinical trial with 30 patients, alginate impressions of the surgical area including the interproximal gingiva and alveolar bone at the adjacent teeth were made in duplicate prior to and during GBR surgery, fixture installation and abutment connection. Poured in hard stone, the casts were used for repeated measurements of the level of the free gingival margin and the alveolar bone with an automated probe (Florida disc-probe(R)), using the incisal edge as a fixed reference point. The reproducibility and accuracy of these measurements were evaluated by means of the Intraclass Correlation Coefficients and Generalizability Theory. The effect of treatment was evaluated by multivariate analysis of variance. RESULTS: Generalizability Theory indicated a high accuracy of the gingiva- and bone-level measurements: the Intraclass Correlation Coefficients for gingiva and bone levels were 0.99 and 0.98, respectively. The intra-cast reproducibility was 0.09+/-0.07 mm (mean+/-SD) and the inter-cast reproducibility was 0.10+/-0.09 and 0.20+/-0.07 mm for gingiva and bone levels, respectively. Clinical applicability is demonstrated by the fact that manova revealed on average a small but highly significant (p=0.001) effect of the staged surgical intervention on the gingiva and bone levels at the adjacent teeth. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the presented method makes it possible to evaluate reproducibly and accurately changes in gingiva and bone levels for GBR studies.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗
PubMed2005

Effect of air-polishing devices on the gingiva: histologic study in the canine.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate histologically the immediate effect of two types of air-polishing devices (APDs) on the gingiva. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The buccal gingiva in four mongrel dogs was exposed to 5, 10 and 20 s of instrumentation, applying a hand-piece type of APD (HP-APD) PROPHYflex and a stand-alone type of APD (SA-APD) Jetpolisher in a split-mouth design. Immediately after treatment, the exposed gingiva was excised by sharp dissection and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. For each specimen, 15 sections, 20 microm apart, corresponding to the central part of the treated and control untreated gingiva were cut and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Stained sections were examined histomorphometrically for keratin width and epithelial cell layer (ECL) (prickle and basal cell layers) width. Extent of erosion was expressed as loss of keratin and ECL compared with control. RESULTS: Microscopic examination presented changes in keratin and ECL, including keratin detachment and disruption of the normal ECL architecture. The erosive changes in the gingiva caused by both APD, positively correlated with instrumentation time (p<0.001) and type of instrument (p=0.008). Keratin loss was significantly higher for SA APD than for the HP APD in each time interval (p=0.019). Following exposure for 5 s, both APD caused a 25% loss of the ECL. Exposure for 10 and 20 s revealed a significantly greater ECL loss caused by the SA-APD than the HP-APD (p=0.018). Exposure for 20 s was the only time interval that presented the area of total epithelium erosion with SA-APD causing significantly more (p=0.002) areas of total epithelial erosion than the HP-APD. CONCLUSION: Gingiva exposure to air-polishing slurry delivered by APD caused localized trauma because of epithelial erosive changes with severity, positively correlated with instrumentation time and design principles of the applied APD. The clinician should be aware of the potential insult of the gingiva when applying the APD and careful precautions should be taken.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Micropuncture measurements of interstitial fluid pressure in normal and inflamed gingiva in rats.

Interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) in normal and inflamed gingiva of rats was measured by sharpened glass capillaries (diameter 2-4 microns) connected to a servocontrolled counterpressure system ad modum Wiederhielm. Gingival inflammation was induced by a steel ligature placed unilaterally around the first maxillary molar. After 8 weeks, the ligature was removed and measurements of IFP in normal and experimentally inflamed gingiva were made by puncture through the intact oral epithelium. Average IFP on the control side was 3.5 mm Hg in free, and 7.4 mm Hg in attached gingiva. Compared to the control side, IFP on the experimental inflamed side was elevated significantly (p less than 0.05) both in free and attached gingiva. In the ligated inflamed side IFP in free gingiva averaged 6.7 mm Hg, whereas in attached gingiva it showed a mean value of 10.4 mm Hg. Histological examinations showed a dense infiltrate of inflammatory cells in the connective tissue, while the contralateral control side showed normal features of epithelial and connective tissue. The present finding of increased IFP in the inflamed gingiva may in theory contribute to augmented crevicular fluid flow during inflammation.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Microvascular volumes in healthy and inflamed gingiva in humans.

It has been suggested that the vascular alterations found in inflamed gingiva may be of significance in the enhanced extension of the pathological process into the periodontium. The purpose of this investigation was to measured the changes in blood vascular volume occurring in gingiva with the onset of gingivitis and its resolution. Twenty-six individuals participated in this study. Gingival biopsies were taken following a 21-day experimental gingivitis, following resolution of a 21-d experimental gingivitis and during a 6-month experimental gingivitis and a 6-month period of optimal oral hygiene. A total of 126 biopsies was obtained, from which 378 sections were cut at 2 microns for stereological analysis. At low magnification, reference volumes were estimated using point counting procedures and expressed as mm3 of gingiva per mm length of vestibular gingiva, in a vestibulo-lingual plane. At higher magnification the ratio between the volume of vessels and connective tissue was calculated. The final results were expressed as mm3 of vessels per mm length of vestibular gingiva, in a vestibulo-lingual plane. The mean vessel volume expressed per unit length of vestibular gingiva ranged from 0.010 to 0.024 mm3/mm. No statistically significant differences in vascular volumes were found between inflamed and non-inflamed gingiva. It was concluded that the changes in vascular architecture during early gingivitis described in the literature had either taken place in the subjects prior to the time of experimentation or that any vascular changes (cytologic or functional) which had taken place may be compensatory for the changes in architecture described in the literature.

Blood Volume↗
PubMed1984

Extensive degradation of recently synthesized collagen in gingiva of normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The degradation of recently synthesized collagen (probably procollagen) in rat incisor gingiva was three times greater than that in skin. Concomitantly, the formation of undegraded (intact) collagen molecules in gingiva was slower than that in skin. This high basal rate of degradation in gingiva was just slightly increased in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, whereas the low basal rate in skin was dramatically increased by the diabetic state. The degradation of recently synthesized collagen was measured by the relative amounts(%) of [3H]hydroxyproline-containing material in the TCA-soluble fraction of a tissue, compared with the total amount (TCA-soluble + TCA-insoluble) of [3H]hydroxyproline-containing material. Separation of the TCA fractions allowed the formation of collagen degradation products (TCA-soluble) to be viewed separately from the formation of undegraded collagen molecules (TCA-insoluble). The [3H]hydroxyproline-containing material in the TCA-soluble fraction was greatest in amount and in specific activity, 30 min after [3H] proline injection, supporting the origin of this material as being procollagen. At this time period, the relative amounts of TCA-soluble [3H]hydroxyproline-containing material were 40.3% (gingiva) and 12.7% (skin). For diabetic rats, the values were 55% and 48.8%, respectively. For the [3H]hydroxyproline-containing material in the TCA-insoluble fraction, at 30 min, the specific activity of [3H]hydroxyproline was 4.3 for gingiva and 7.4 for skin. At all other time periods, the values were also greater for skin than for gingiva, making it unlikely that the formation of intact collagen molecules occurred faster in gingiva than in skin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Significance of the width of keratinized gingiva on the periodontal status of teeth with submarginal restorations.

The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the periodontal condition of teeth having submarginal restorations associated with either narrow or wide zones of keratinized gingiva. Fifty-eight teeth in 26 individuals were selected and then divided into two groups according to the width of the keratinized gingiva at the midfacial aspect of the tested tooth. Group I consisted of 30 teeth with greater than or equal to 2.0 mm, and Group II consisted of 28 teeth with less than 2.0 mm of keratinized gingiva. Each group was equally subdivided into subgroup "A" having teeth with a full coverage, subgingival type of restoration for at least 2 years, and subgroup "B" representing contralateral homologous teeth, in the same individual, with no subgingival restoration. Clinical examination of individual teeth included determination of plaque and gingival indices, gingival fluid, probing depth, bleeding tendency and bone level. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Student t test and a two-way analysis of variance to determine any significant differences in variables between teeth with and without subgingival restorations, in narrow and wide zones of keratinized gingiva. The findings were: (1) teeth with subgingival restorations and narrow zones of keratinized gingiva showed statistically significant higher gingival scores than teeth having submarginal restorations with wide zones of keratinized gingiva. (2) Teeth without subgingival restorations showed no statistical difference between narrow and wide zones of keratinized gingiva (P greater than 0.05).

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The relationship between concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines within gingiva and the adjacent sulcular depth.

The objective of this study was to determine and compare concentrations and ratios of 3 proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL) IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8 within gingival tissue biopsies adjacent to < or = 3, 4 to 6, or >6 mm sulci. All gingiva adjacent to > or = 4 mm sulci had clinical evidence of active inflammation. Factorial analysis of variance suggested significant effects of sulcus depth on the type and concentration of the three cytokines in the adjacent gingiva (P < 0.001). IL-8 concentrations were highest in gingiva adjacent to < or = 3 and lowest adjacent to >6 mm sulci (P < 0.001). In contrast, IL-6 concentrations were lowest in gingiva adjacent to < or = 6 mm and highest adjacent to >6 mm sites. IL-1beta concentrations were highest in gingiva adjacent to >6 mm and lowest adjacent to 4 to 6 mm sites; they were also higher adjacent to < or = 3 mm than adjacent to 4 to 6 mm sites (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis suggested that sulcular depth, type of cytokine, and cytokine concentration were significantly correlated (P < 0.001). Ratios of gingival cytokines changed with increased sulcular depth. In gingiva adjacent to < or = 6 mm sites, IL-8 was the most and IL-6 the least prevalent. In gingiva adjacent to > or = 6 mm sites, IL-8 was the least and IL-1-beta the most prevalent. The data suggest that the characteristics of the gingival cytokine network are affected by adjacent sulcular depth. These data could be used to design adjunct diagnostic tests for progression of periodontal diseases.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2000

The effect of age on proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in oral gingival epithelium of healthy and inflamed human gingiva.

BACKGROUND: Age-related changes in proliferative activity in human gingival epithelium are uncertain. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a nuclear protein associated with the cell cycle. Nuclear PCNA immunoreactivity is found in the proliferative compartment of normal tissues. The aims of this study were to investigate the localization of PCNA expression in oral gingival epithelium (OGE) and to define the age-related changes as to PCNA-proliferative index (PI) in inflamed as well as healthy gingiva. Mitotic index (MI) was also used as a conventional marker of cell proliferation. Additionally, the effect of aging upon the maximum epithelial thickness (MET) was determined. METHODS: Twenty older (65 to 85 years) (study) and 20 middle-aged (35 to 45 years) (controls) subjects were included in the study. Biopsies were obtained both from healthy and inflamed gingiva. The expression of PCNA was evaluated in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded gingival samples using an immunoperoxidase technique and PC 10 monoclonal antibody to PCNA. Hematoxylin and eosin stained sections were used for the quantitative measurement of MI and MET. RESULTS: All the tissue sections contained positive staining cells for PCNA in the gingival epithelium. Although PCNA expression was observed both in the basal and suprabasal layers, it was more prominent in the suprabasal layers. PI in inflamed gingiva was significantly higher in the older group. However, no significant difference was observed between the study and control groups with respect to PI in healthy gingiva. When all the subjects taken into the study were analyzed as a single group, PI in the inflamed gingival samples were found to be increased with aging. Nevertheless, no age-related change was noted in MI and MET. In both the study and the control groups, PI, MI, and MET were found to be increased due to inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that PCNA expression in inflamed gingiva is higher in older subjects. Furthermore, a significant correlation was noted between aging and PCNA expression in inflamed gingiva. As there is no increase in mucosal epithelial thickness despite increased proliferation, we speculate that the duration of the PCNA+ phase in cell cycle may be longer in older subjects. This study also implies that PCNA immunolocalization can be used as an index of the state of cell proliferation in both biological and pathological events of the gingiva and/or other mucosal tissues.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Histometric analysis of epithelial alterations in bleeding and non-bleeding gingivae after probing and their corresponding stereomicroscopic findings of vasculature.

The present study was carried out to investigate and compare the thickness and number of rete pegs of the sulcular epithelium histometrically in bleeding and non-bleeding gingivae with special reference to comparisons of their relationship with corresponding stereomicroscopic findings. A total of 78 biopsies (40 bleeding and 38 non-bleeding gingival specimens) was obtained from 33 patients. Tissue sections with H&E stains were performed. Each gingival section was divided into three portions (coronal, middle and apical) along the gingival sulcular epithelium horizontally. The rete pegs were counted and the thickest and thinnest parts of the epithelium in three individual portions were also measured histometrically. The results show that the epithelial thickness of bleeding gingiva at the coronal and middle portions was significantly thinner than that of non-bleeding gingiva. There were also greater numbers of rete pegs of the sulcular epithelium in bleeding gingiva than of those in non-bleeding gingiva. However, there was no specific relationship between epithelial alterations of gingiva and the visibility of vasculature by stereomicroscopy. It is suggested that epithelial alterations of gingiva to some extent might be responsible for the gingival bleeding on probing clinically and highly associated with the volumetric density of underlying infiltrated connective tissue, but might not be related to the visibility of vasculature by stereomicroscopy.

Epithelium↗
PubMed1990

Cross-sectional study to evaluate variations in attached gingiva and gingival sulcus in the three periods of dentition.

The dimensional differences of the attached gingiva and gingival sulcus in the primary, mixed and permanent dentition were studied clinically in normal gingivae of 382 children, aged 4-15 years. The depth of the gingival sulcus and the width of keratinized gingiva were also measured. Shallow gingival sulcus was observed in the primary dentition as compared to that in permanent dentition. However, in the mixed dentition deeper sulcus was observed around the newly erupted teeth. This was attributed to deeper penetration of the instrument, at the time of eruption. The widest zone of attached gingiva was observed in maxillary and mandibular incisors, decreasing gradually over the cuspids and first premolars (first primary molars), and again attached gingiva increased in second premolars (second primary molars) and first and second permanent molars. The width of attached gingiva in case of newly erupted permanent teeth (mixed dentition) was narrower in the corresponding primary teeth. This was due to an increase in the gingival sulcus depth. The attached gingiva increased in width with age. This was related to a concomitant reduction in sulcus depth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Epidermal growth factor in gingival crevicular fluid and its binding capacity in inflamed and non-inflamed human gingiva.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a pro-inflammatory small peptide (6000 Da) with a variety of biological activities including stimulation of cell differentiation and mediation of proteolysis by binding to its specific receptor on the cell surface. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of EGF in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and the EGF-binding capacity to its receptor in gingival tissue. The GCF samples were collected from six patients by inserting paper strips into shallow (< 5 mm) and deep pockets (> or = 5 mm) for 30 s. The strips were soaked in 0.2 M acetate for extraction and the EGF in the supernatants was analysed by radioimmunoassay. To determine the binding capacity of EGF to its receptor, inflamed gingival tissues (pocket depth > or = 5 mm, Gingival Index = 1, 2 or 3) were collected during periodontal flap surgery and non-inflamed gingival tissues (pocket depth < 5 mm, Gingival Index = 0) were collected during surgical "crown lengthening' for aesthetic purposes. The tissues were pooled by group, homogenized for membrane preparation and the supernatants obtained after centrifugation were used in a 125IEGF binding assay. To determine the effect of inflammation on gingival EGF receptor, inflamed and non-inflamed gingival tissues were collected from six patients and prepared similarly to the binding assay. Gingival preparations were then electrophoresed for Western blot analysis with EGF receptor antiserum. The EGF level in GCF was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the samples collected from pockets > or = 5 mm (0.9 +/- 0.6 ng/ml) than in those from pockets < 5 mm (2.4 +/- 2.1 ng/ml). The average Gingival Index was higher (2.6 +/- 0.6) in pockets > or = 5 mm than in pockets < 5 mm (1.4 +/- 1.0). Specific binding of 125I-EGF to its receptor in inflamed gingiva was 2.7-fold higher than in non-inflamed gingiva (14.4 +/- 4.9 vs 5.4 +/- 1.8 fmol/g wet tissue). Western blot analysis showed two major immunoreactive bands (180 and 120 kDa), which represent EGF receptor and its degradation products, in inflamed gingiva. The findings show that inflammation activates EGF binding capacity in gingiva and that the up-regulation of EGF receptor in inflamed gingiva might be associated with a lowered concentration of EGF in GCF produced adjacent to inflamed gingiva. This up-regulation of EGF receptor during inflammation might be an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Blotting, Western↗