role of langerhans cells in gingival inflammation

The role of Langerhans cells in human gingiva is not known. The aim of this study was to detect histochemically the role of Langerhans cells in clinically normal and clinically inflamed gingiva in relation to ATPase reaction. This study was carried out on a total of 40 patients selected from the Periodontology Department. They were aged from 25-45 years, and were free from any systemic disease. They were classified according to the criteriae of Loe" and Silness [1963][14]. Gingival biopsies were obtained from all patients from the interdental papillae of the lower centrals using ethyl cloride and a sharp sterile scalpel. The gingival specimens were immediately placed in saline solution, then in deep freeze. They were cryostat cut frozen sections of 12-15 microns thick, ready for histochemical study using ATPase enzyme for its specificity for Langerhans cells by the method of Wachstein and Meisel [1957][15] The results of this study showed a positive reaction of ATPase enzyme in all layers of the gingiva as brown to dark brown granules in all studied groups. Group III showed a marked reaction in the basal cell layer when compared to control group. Also, an increased enzyme reaction was noted in the connective tissue as compared to the control group. Group III still showed a severe reaction in the basal layer when compared to Group II. In group IV the enzyme reaction was increasing showing moderate reaction in the superficial layer and parabasal layers; whereas intensive in the basal cell layer and connective tissue than all other groups. From the present study it could be reported that there is an increased activity of ATPase positive cells due to increased reaction of the enzyme, especially noted in the basal cell layer and connective tissue. This finding indicates a definite relation between Langerhans cells and inflammation. The increased reaction of ATPase enzyme in parabasal layer and connective tissue denote the capability of Langerhans cells to migrate from epithelium to connective tissue or vice versa through the basement membrane. This could be due to mitotic activity of the cells or pathologic condition of the gingiva. The present study could throw light on the function of Langerhans cells in the gingiva. As previously mentioned Langerhans cells are considered to be involved in immunologic reactions therefore, it could be concluded that they play an immunologic role with an increase in the cell activity as gingivitis develops. This could be interpreted as a response to an external stimulus. Thus, Langerhans cells may play a role in the development of an inflammatory response

effect of salivary H-substance on the clinical condition of the gingiva

The present study has been done to detect H-substance in the saliva and to evaluate the clinical condition of the gingiva in both secretors and non-secretors of salivary H-substance. The study included 432 subjects selected randomly from the outpatient clinic of the Dentistry Department of the Navy Hospital. They were of both sexes and their ages ranged from 25-38 years. They were all free from any systemic disease. Saliva samples were taken from all subjects for detection of the absence or presence of H-substance in the saliva in the Clinical Pathology and Haematology Lab. in the Navy Hospital according to Bourman and Dodd [1966][16]. Further, 50 subjects from the total number of secretors were considered as controls [group I] and 50 other subjects from non-secretors [group II]. Both groups [I and II] were subjected to : 1] Blood grouping according to Dacie and Lewis [1968]. 2] Clinical dental examination including: - recording plaque index [Silness and Loe, 1964][8]. - recording of gingival index [Loe and Silness, 1963][9]. - recording of retention index [Bjorby and Loe, 1967][10]. The results of this study showed that only 51 subjects were non-secretors of H-substance among a total of 432. The findings of blood grouping revealed no significant difference between blood groups in both secretors and non secretors. The clinical dental results showed a significant increase in the gingival, plaque and retention indices in non-secretors when compared to secretors [controls]. In conclusion, the presence of H-substance in the saliva [secretors] could be one of the protective elements present in saliva

Salivary amylase in children and adults

Salivary amylases are glycosidases and are responsible for starch degradation. Its function other than digestion of carbohydrates are unknown. This study was done to estimate the level of salivary amylase in relation to the gingival condition and oral hygiene in children and adults. This work included 40 children aged between 8-10 years and 60 adults aged between 21-28 years. They were selected according to the criteria to Loe and Silness [1963][13]. Resh mixed saliva was collected from all subjects after rinsing the mouth by 10 minutes. The sample was filtered with Whatmann 42 filter paper and measured by enzymatic calorimetric test according to the method of Rausher et al, 1981[14]. The results of the study showed a significant increase in the salivary amylase level in gingivitis groups in relation to their controls. Whereas, when comparing the amylase level in children and adults, no significant difference was found. The increase in amylase level in gingivitis groups might occur in order to reduce capillary permeability as a compensatory response to gingival inflammation or due to the presence of food debris in the oral cavity. If could be stated that there is a relationship between gingivitis and the amylase level, yet no relationship was detected between the level and the individual's age

histopathological and histochemical study of the effect of oral contraceptives on the gingiva

The aim of this study was to evaluate the gingival condition clinically, histopathologically and histochemically for 125 women regulary taking contraceptive pills and 50 women not using any hormonal mediation. Their ages ranged between 18-39 years. They were divided into 5 groups according to the duration of pills intake: Group I : 3months Group II : 6 months Group III : 9 months Group IV : 12 months Group V : 2 years. And control group. The gingival condition was estimated by scores of Loe and Silness [1963] and it was found that the greatest effect of hormonal contraceptive on the gingival occurred during the first 3 months of intake with a further, though less marked effect during the next threee months. Gingival scores tended to decrease after nine months of continuous medication, so that the score for women taking the pill for one or 2 years was similar to those for using it only three months. Calculus estimation was by Greene and Vermillion's oral hygiene index simplified showed no variation in amount between control and pill groups. Histopathological study showed increased formation of collagenous fibrous tissue, infiltrated with a few chronic infilammatory cells in the lamina propria and proliferation of endothelial cells. Histochemical study showed increased enzyme activity of acid mucopolysaccharide, Succinic dehydrogenase, adencsine triphosphatase, acid phosphatase, nonspecific esterase as well as lipid content. So it can be concluded that gestagen may exaggerate gingival response to local irritants by disrupting cell activity