Transmission and scanning electron microscopical study of the epithelial cells in the early dental plaque formation

Transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used to study desquamated cells and leukocytes in the developing dental plaque. Dental plaque developed on hydroxyapitite epoxy resin splints attached to the buccal surfaces were removed at intervals of 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 h. epithelial cells and leukocytes were found attached to the hydroxyapatite splint as early as tow hours after the splints were placed in the mouth. These cells generally had bacteria attached to their surfaces. The cells adsorbed to the splint seem to undergo morphologic alterations

Immunocytochemical demonstration of IgG, IgA, IgM and albumin in the acquired supragingival pellicle

There is increasing evidences that immunological phenomena play a significant role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the presence and the distribution of immunoglohulins and albumin in the acquired enamel pellicle. Hydroxyapatite splints, trimmed into appropriate shape and secured to the labial surfaces of maxillary molars and premolar teeth, were used to collect acquired pellicle. The splint segments were removed after 2 hr. and processed for Transmission Electron Microscope [TEM] using low temperature embedding material. The specific sites of activity were visualized by reacting sections with a rabbit anti-immunoglobulins and anti-albumin which had been conjugated with protein A-gold complex. IgG, IgA and Albumin were found in the acquired pellicle, whereas IgM was not detected. Density of labeling was found to be greater on the epithelial cells adhered to the hydroxyapatite splint than in the acquired pellicle

Alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase in human gingival fluid and its relation to gingival inflammation

Periodontal inflammation is accompanied by presence of fluid in the gingival sulcus, and the amount of fluid varies according to the severity of inflammation. Alkaline phosphatase is known to be present in periodontal tissues and is normally confined to eucocytes; an increase in the activity of this enzyme has been shown by histochemical methods in inflamed gingiva. The main source of acid phosphatase in the crevicular area are probably the PMNS and desqaumating epithelial cells and the activity of this enzyme has often been associated with connective tissue metabolism. The aim of this study is to determine the activity of these enzymes in varying severity of gingival inflammation,15 patients were selected for this study; gingival fluids were collected with micropipettes. Assessment of the gingival status was made according to the Gingival Index [GI] of Loe And Silness. Then patients divided into 3 groups. Alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase was measured by colorimetric technique. Results demonstrated increase of enzymes activity with severity of gingival inflammation. Further investigation is needed to demonstrate the roles and activity of these enzymes in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease