In vitro evaluation of Eugenia dysenterica in primary culture of human gingival fibroblast cells

Abstract: Eugenia dysenterica is a Brazilian tree investigated for its properties and bioactive compounds, which are believed to have both pharmacological and phytochemical therapeutic effects. The leaves of this tree contain tannins, flavonoids, terpenes, and saponins, with reportedly beneficial effects to the human body. Despite these therapeutic applications, its effects have never been tested on oral tissues. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and antioxidant effects and the anti-inflammatory and repair properties of the acetone fraction of E. dysenterica on primary culture of human gingival fibroblasts and on the immortalized murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7). For this purpose, a metabolic activity assay, a wound healing assay, a nitric oxide assay, and RT-qPCR were performed. The assays revealed a cytoprotective effect of this plant, suggested by the increase in the expression of SOD1 and NRF2. An antioxidant potential effect was observed in the DPPH• assay. However, the fraction of E. dysenterica did not show anti-inflammatory activity. In conclusion, Eugenia dysenterica may promote cytoprotection when associated with chlorhexidine digluconate because of its antioxidant effect. However, additional studies are necessary on other human dental tissues using other parts of the plant in order to develop a possible mouthwash to assist patients with oral disorders.

Gliclazide reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss in an experimental periodontal disease model

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gliclazide on oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss in an experimental periodontal disease model. Material and Methods Male albino Wistar rats were divided into no ligature, ligature, and ligature with 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg gliclazide groups. Maxillae were fixed and scanned using micro-computed tomography to quantify linear and bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) and volumetric bone loss. Histopathological, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses were conducted to examine matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), cathepsin K, members of the receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β (RANK), osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1), NFKB p 50 (Cytoplasm), NFKB p50 NLS (nuclear localization signal), PI3 kinase and AKT staining. Myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde and glutathione levels, while interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were evaluated by spectroscopic ultraviolet-visible analysis. A quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the gene expression of the nuclear factor kappa B p50 subunit (NF-κB p50), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3k), protein kinase B (AKT), and F4/80. Results Micro-computed tomography showed that the 1 mg/kg gliclazide treatment reduced linear bone loss compared to the ligature, 5 mg/kg gliclazide, and 10 mg/kg gliclazide treatments. All concentrations of gliclazide increased bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) compared to the ligature group. Treatment with 1 mg/kg gliclazide reduced myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels (p≤0.05), and resulted in weak staining for COX-2, cathepsin k, MMP-2, RANK, RANKL, SOD-1, GPx-1,MIF and PI3k. In addition, down-regulation of NF-κB p50, PI3k, AKT, and F4/80 were observed, and OPG staining was strong after the 1 mg/kg gliclazide treatment. Conclusions This treatment decreased neutrophil and macrophage migration, decreased the inflammatory response, and decreased bone loss in rats with ligature-induced periodontitis.

Treatment of experimental periodontal disease by laser therapy in simvastatin-modified rats

Abstract Low intensity laser can be used as a promising alternative in the treatment of periodontal disease. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjuvant treatment for scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of induced periodontitis in simvastatin-modified rats. Material and Methods A total of 180 rats were evenly divided into two groups: Veh - receiving oral administration of polyethylene glycol (vehicle); S - receiving oral administration of Simvastatin. Periodontal disease was induced in both groups at the first mandibular molar. After seven days, the ligature was removed and the animals were divided into subgroups according to the following local treatments: NT - no treatment; SRP - scaling and root planing and irrigation with saline solution; and LLLT ¬- SRP and laser irradiation (660 nm; 0.03 W; 4 J). Ten animals in each subgroup/local treatment were euthanized at 7, 15 and 30 days. Samples of gingival tissue were processed to analyze the tissue oxidative damage and radiographic analysis. Levels of oxidative stress were analyzed by the expressions of Tripeptideglutathione (TG), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Carbonylated Proteins (CP). Results The animals in S group had higher levels of TG and lower levels of MDA and CP compared with Veh group (p<0.05). Radiographically, in the intragroup analysis Veh and S, LLLT showed lower bone loss (BL) compared with NT and SRP, in all experimental periods (p<0.01). In addition, a lower BL was observed for the animals of Veh group treated with LLLT compared with treatment SRP in the S group, in all experimental periods. Conclusion Within the limits of this study, we can conclude that LLLT was effective as adjuvant treatment for SRP protecting against the occurrence of oxidative tissue damages as well as for reducing alveolar bone loss in experimentally induced periodontitis simvastatin-modified rats.

Effects of hyaluronic acid on bleeding following third molar extraction

Abstract Objective To explore the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) on bleeding and associated outcomes after third molar extraction. Methods Forty patients who had undergone molar extraction were randomly divided into two groups; 0.8% (w/v) HA was applied to the HA group (n=20) whereas a control group (n=20) was not treated. Salivary and gingival tissue factor (TF) levels, bleeding time, maximum interincisal opening (MIO), pain scored on a visual analog scale (VAS), and the swelling extent were compared between the two groups. Results HA did not significantly affect gingival TF levels. Salivary TF levels increased significantly 1 week after HA application but not in the control group. Neither the VAS pain level nor MIO differed significantly between the two groups. The swelling extent on day 3 and the bleeding time were greater in the HA group than in the control group. Conclusions Local injection of HA at 0.8% prolonged the bleeding time, and increased hemorrhage and swelling in the early postoperative period after third molar extractions.

Combined effect of end-rounded versus tapered bristles and a dentifrice on plaque removal and gingival abrasion

Abstract Two previous clinical studies evaluated the effect of end-rounded versus tapered bristles of soft manual brushes on the removal of plaque and gingival abrasion. However, the combined effect of an abrasive dentifrice on these outcomes has yet to be understood. The purpose of the present study was to compare the incidence of gingival abrasion and the degree of plaque removal obtained after the use of toothbrushes with tapered or end-rounded bristles in the presence or absence of an abrasive dentifrice. The study involved a randomized, single-blind, crossover model (n = 39) with a split-mouth design. Subjects were instructed to refrain from performing oral hygiene procedures for 72 hours. Quadrants were randomized and subjects brushed with both types of toothbrushes using a dentifrice (relative dentin abrasion = ± 160). Plaque and gingival abrasion were assessed before and after brushing. After 7 days, the experiment was repeated without the dentifrice. The average reduction in plaque scores and the average increase in the number of abrasion sites were assessed by repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-hoc tests. End-rounded bristles removed significantly more plaque than tapered bristles, regardless of the use of a dentifrice. The dentifrice did not improve plaque removal. In the marginal area (cervical free gingiva), no difference in the incidence of gingival abrasion was detected between toothbrush types when used with a dentifrice (p ≥ 0.05). However, the dentifrice increased the incidence of abrasion (p < 0.001), irrespective of the toothbrush type tested. End-rounded bristles therefore removed plaque more effectively without causing a higher incidence of gingival abrasion when compared with tapered bristles. An abrasive dentifrice can increase the incidence of abrasion, and should be used with caution by individuals who are at risk of developing gingival recession.

Effect of lectin (ScLL) on fibroblasts stimulated with LPS - an in vitro study

Abstract: The lectin (ScLL) extracted from the Synadenium carinatum plant has been evaluated as an immunomodulator in diseases such as asthma, neosporosis and leishmaniasis. However, it has not yet been evaluated in the oral cavity. This study evaluated the effect of ScLL on viability, proliferation and release of IL-10 in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). HGF were stimulated with LPS 1 µg/ml and treated with ScLL in concentrations of 10, 5 and 2 µg/ml for 1 and 5 h, and evaluated by flow cytometry for viability, apoptosis (initial/advanced) and necrosis. The supernatant was collected to detect release of IL-10 by ELISA. The proliferation was assessed with the BrdU assay. Positive control consisted of cells maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles Medium (DMEM), and the negative control, of those kept in tap water. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Dunnett's test (α = 0.05). No significant difference was found for ScLL concentrations regarding viability or initial and advanced apoptosis (p=0.455). All the groups, including the positive control, had a significantly lower necrosis parameter than negative control at 5 h (p < 0.001). No difference was found for proliferation among the experimental groups (p = 0.832). ScLL at 5 and 2 µg/ml resulted in a lower release of IL-10 than positive and negative controls at 5 h (p = 0.047). The results indicated that ScLL concentrations tested were not cytotoxic, and had no effect on proliferation and release of IL-10 parameters. A thorough understanding of ScLL, regarding its immunomodulatory potential, may open the door to new perspectives for dentistry.

Bioacumulación de níquel en encía, saliva y hueso alveolar de paciente con aparatología ortodóncica fija: reporte de un caso / Bioaccumulation of nickel in gingiva, saliva and alveolar bone in a patient with a fixed orthodontic appliance: a case report

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 28 años, con tratamiento ortodóncico activo, que acudió a consulta odontológica por motivos estéticos. Luego del examen intraoral se le diagnosticó agrandamiento gingival y exostosis maxilar. El plan de tratamiento consistió en cirugía estética periodontal y exéresis de la exostosis. Durante el tratamiento quirúrgico se tomaron muestras de encía, saliva y hueso alveolar, previo consentimiento informado. Una vez procesadas las muestras se midieron las concentraciones de níquel en ng/ml mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica; el promedio de dichas concentraciones en cada una de las muestras fueron: 986,4 ng/ml en saliva, 779,5 ng/ml en hueso y 620,5 ng/ml para el caso de la encía. La acumulación de níquel evidenciada en cada una de las muestras resulta de especial interés, pues la exposición a metales contenidos en la aparatología ortodóncica constituye actualmente un importante tema de investigación.

A case is reported of a 28-year-old female patient, with active orthodontic treatment, who was treated in the dental practice for aesthetic reasons. The diagnosis was gingival overgrowth, induced by orthodontic treatment, and maxillary exostosis. The treatment consisted of periodontal cosmetic surgery and removing the exostosis. During surgery, samples of gingiva, saliva and alveolar bone were obtained. Before take the samples, the patient signed an informed consent. Nickel concentrations in ng/mL were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean nickel concentration in the samples were: 986.4 ng/ml in saliva, 779.5 ng/ml in alveolar bone, and 620.5 ng/ml in the case of gingiva. The high accumulation of nickel observed in each sample type is of particular interest because exposure to metals contained in orthodontic appliances is currently an important public health problem in dentistry.

Avaliação do direcionamento e angulação das fibras de colágeno ao redor de implantes do tipo cone morse e hexágono externo sob luz polarizada em cães / Histological evaluation of collagen fibers orientation and angulation around external hexagon and cone morse implants under a polarized light

Foram avaliados o direcionamento e as características das fibras colágenas ao redor de dois diferentes tipos de implantes, cone Morse e hexágono externo. Este estudo foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética no ensino e pesquisa em animais da Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, recebendo o protocolo de número 03/2008. Foram instalados 42 implantes em sete cães, sendo 14 do tipo hexágono externo (Osseotite - 3i, USA ) e 28 do tipo Cone Morse ( Titamax EX CM Neodent, Brazil ), todos receberam componentes protéticos, seguindo o protocolo de carga imediata, após 4 meses, todos os animais foram sacrificados e as amostras coletadas e processadas pelo sistema Exakt. Para a avaliação do direcionamento das fibras colágenas foram avaliadas 18 amostras, que foram observadas em um microscópio óptico, sobre a influência de luz polarizada. No grupo hexágono externo foram encontradas fibras colágenas oriundas do epitélio alveolar correndo paralelamente a superfície do implante e seu componente protético, em algumas amostras se uniam a outros grupos de fibras e se direcionavam a região das roscas do implante. Foram encontradas fibras que poderiam ser classificadas como perpendiculares em apenas 3 amostras, localizadas abaixo da plataforma protética, não foram observados sinais de inserção das fibras nas regiões do cilindro de proteção ou componente rotético, apenas abaixo da plataforma do implante. Ao redor das amostras do grupo cone morse, foram encontrados grupos de fibras que corriam paralelamente a superfície do componente protético, em direção a plataforma do implante. Em 6 amostras deste grupo, foram observadas fibras que foram classificadas como obliquas ou perpendiculares, distribuídas lateralmente a região mais profunda do componente protético, apresentando sinais de inserção, não foram observadas fibras se inserindo diretamente ao implante. Quando observamos os valores correspondentes aos dois grupos avaliados, podemos observar a maior predominância de...

This study aims to evaluate the presence and orientation of the collagen fibers around two different implant types. 42 implants were installed in seven dogs, 14 external hexagon (Osseotite - 3i, USA) and 28 cone morse (CM Titamax EX - Neodent, Brazil), all received prosthetic components, following the immediate loading protocol. After 4 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed and samples were collected and processed for histological evaluation by means of Exakt processing system. To assess the direction of collagen fibers, 10 samples from each group were evaluated in an optical microscope, under the incidence of polarized light. In the external hexagon group were found collagen fibers derived from alveolar epithelium running parallel to the implant and his prosthetic component, in some samples these fibers joined with other groups and drove to the implant threads. Were found Fibers that could be classified as perpendicular in only three samples, located below the implant platform, no insertion signals were observed on cylinder of protection or prosthetic component, just below the implant platform. Around the morse taper group samples were found groups of fibers that ran parallel to the surface of the prosthetic component toward the implant platform. In six samples of this group, were observed fibers that were classified as oblique or perpendicular, laterally distributed to the deepest region of the prosthetic component, showing signs of insertion, were no observed fibers inserting directly to the implant surface. When we look at the values corresponding to both groups, we can observe the predominance of fibers classified as parallel-oblique on group I, with 16 samples, two other samples of this group could be classified as oblique. On group III, the highest prevalence of the samples are classified as oblique, with 11 samples, five other samples of this group can be classified as oblique-perpendicular, the morse taper group...

Avaliação do direcionamento e angulação das fibras de colágeno ao redor de implantes do tipo cone morse e hexágono externo sob luz polarizada em cães / Histological evaluation of collagen fibers orientation and angulation around external hexagon and cone morse implants under a polarized light

Foram avaliados o direcionamento e as características das fibras colágenas ao redor de dois diferentes tipos de implantes, cone Morse e hexágono externo. Este estudo foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética no ensino e pesquisa em animais da Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, recebendo o protocolo de número 03/2008. Foram instalados 42 implantes em sete cães, sendo 14 do tipo hexágono externo (Osseotite - 3i, USA ) e 28 do tipo Cone Morse ( Titamax EX CM Neodent, Brazil ), todos receberam componentes protéticos, seguindo o protocolo de carga imediata, após 4 meses, todos os animais foram sacrificados e as amostras coletadas e processadas pelo sistema Exakt. Para a avaliação do direcionamento das fibras colágenas foram avaliadas 18 amostras, que foram observadas em um microscópio óptico, sobre a influência de luz polarizada. No grupo hexágono externo foram encontradas fibras colágenas oriundas do epitélio alveolar correndo paralelamente a superfície do implante e seu componente protético, em algumas amostras se uniam a outros grupos de fibras e se direcionavam a região das roscas do implante. Foram encontradas fibras que poderiam ser classificadas como perpendiculares em apenas 3 amostras, localizadas abaixo da plataforma protética, não foram observados sinais de inserção das fibras nas regiões do cilindro de proteção ou componente rotético, apenas abaixo da plataforma do implante. Ao redor das amostras do grupo cone morse, foram encontrados grupos de fibras que corriam paralelamente a superfície do componente protético, em direção a plataforma do implante. Em 6 amostras deste grupo, foram observadas fibras que foram classificadas como obliquas ou perpendiculares, distribuídas lateralmente a região mais profunda do componente protético, apresentando sinais de inserção, não foram observadas fibras se inserindo diretamente ao implante. Quando observamos os valores correspondentes aos dois grupos avaliados, podemos observar a maior predominância de...

This study aims to evaluate the presence and orientation of the collagen fibers around two different implant types. 42 implants were installed in seven dogs, 14 external hexagon (Osseotite - 3i, USA) and 28 cone morse (CM Titamax EX - Neodent, Brazil), all received prosthetic components, following the immediate loading protocol. After 4 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed and samples were collected and processed for histological evaluation by means of Exakt processing system. To assess the direction of collagen fibers, 10 samples from each group were evaluated in an optical microscope, under the incidence of polarized light. In the external hexagon group were found collagen fibers derived from alveolar epithelium running parallel to the implant and his prosthetic component, in some samples these fibers joined with other groups and drove to the implant threads. Were found Fibers that could be classified as perpendicular in only three samples, located below the implant platform, no insertion signals were observed on cylinder of protection or prosthetic component, just below the implant platform. Around the morse taper group samples were found groups of fibers that ran parallel to the surface of the prosthetic component toward the implant platform. In six samples of this group, were observed fibers that were classified as oblique or perpendicular, laterally distributed to the deepest region of the prosthetic component, showing signs of insertion, were no observed fibers inserting directly to the implant surface. When we look at the values corresponding to both groups, we can observe the predominance of fibers classified as parallel-oblique on group I, with 16 samples, two other samples of this group could be classified as oblique. On group III, the highest prevalence of the samples are classified as oblique, with 11 samples, five other samples of this group can be classified as oblique-perpendicular, the morse taper group...

Influência do hipotireoidismo induzido por propiltiouracil na mucosa gengival do rato / Influence of propilthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism on rat gingival mucosa / Influence of propilthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism on rat gingival mucosa

O objetivo foi verificar a influência da deficiência dos hormônios tireoideanos induzida por propiltiouracil (PTU) na mucosa gengival do rato, analisando bioquimicamente as proteínas totais, colágeno (hidroxiprolina) e população celular (DNA). Foram utilizados 50 ratos machos da cepa Sprague-Dawley, separados em 2 grupos: propiltiouracil (PTU) (10 mg/d i.p.), e controle (C), durante 10 semanas. As proteínas totais foram determinadas pelo método de Lowry, a hidroxiprolina pelo método de Newman e DNA pelo método de Burton. Observou-se diminuição das proteínas totais no grupo PTU (PTU= 41,23 ± 24,05; C= 63,36 ± 18,05); não houve diferença na hidroxiprolina e DNA (PTU= 2,18 ± 1,48; C= 2,29 ± 1,51) e (PTU= 0,33 ± 0,19; C= 0,46 ± 0,31). Conclui-se que o tratamento com PTU diminui o conteúdo de proteínas totais na mucosa gengival do rato, provavelmente pela diminuição da síntese protéica, sem alteração do colágeno e da população celular.

This work aimed at verifying the influence of propilthiouracil (PTU)-induced thyroid hormone deficiency on gingival mucosa of young male rats, measuring total protein concentration, collagen content and DNA concentration as indices of cellular population. Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The animals were grouped in: PTU-treated (i.p. 10 mg/d) and control rats (C). The experience was maintained for a period of 10 weeks. Total protein content of gingival mucosa tissue was determined by the Lowry method; hydroxyprolin rate, as prototype aminoacid of collagen, was determined using the Newman method, and DNA concentration was measured by Burton's methodology. The results showed decreased amounts of PTU-treated rats gingival total protein content (PTU= 41.23 ± 24.05 vs. C= 63.36 ± 18.05); no alterations were seen in hydroxyprolin concentration neither in DNA content of PTU treated rats, respectively (PTU= 2.18 ± 1.48 vs. C= 2.29 ± 1.51) and (PTU= 0.33 ± 0.19 vs. C= 0.46 ± 0.41). Thus, PTU treatment promotes a decrease in total protein content of rat gingival mucosa that may be interpreted as a decrease in protein synthesis induced by the hypothyroid condition, but with no alteration either in collagen or nucleic acid rates.

Effects of long-term cyclosporin therapy on gingiva of rats: analysis by stereological and biochemical estimation

A ciclosporina A (CsA) é usada como um agente imunossupressor e promove efeitos colaterais como o crescimento gengival que permanece um problema significante. Alguns fatores de risco podem aumentar esses efeitos, como a duracão do tratamento. Ainda não há estudos estereológicos e bioquímicos explorando os efeitos de um longo período de terapia com CsA no tecido gengival. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o nível de TGF-b1 na saliva e descobrir a densidade de fibroblastos e fibras colágenas no tecido gengival de ratos tratados por um longo período com CsA. Os ratos foram tratados por 60, 120, 180 e 240 dias com injecões subcutâneas diárias de 10 mg/kg de peso corporal de CsA. Ao final dos períodos experimentais, a saliva era coletada para determinacão do TGF-b1. Após o processamento histológico, o epitélio oral e a área do tecido conjuntivo foram medidos, bem como a densidade volumétrica dos fibroblastos (Vf) e das fibras colágenas (Vcf). Após 60 e 120 dias de tratamento com CsA ocorreu um significante aumento de Vf e Vcf, bem como aumento significante de TGF-b1. Após 180 e 240 dias, houve reducão do crescimento gengival associada com decréscimo significante do nível de TGF-b1, e também diminuicão observada de Vf e Vcf. Os dados presentes neste estudo sugerem que, após longo período de terapia, ocorre uma diminuicão do nível de TGF-b1, o que deve contribuir para um aumento na atividade proteolítica dos fibroblastos na gengiva, favorecendo a normalidade da síntese da matriz extracelular.

Oral manifestations and histochemical studies of the gingiva in Down syndrome

Down syndrome is the most frequent of the aneuploids observed in newborn infants whose major manifestations are mental and growth retardation. The purpose of this work was to study the oral manifestations, histological and histochemical changes in gingiva of Egyptian Down syndrome children and to correlate the noted histochemical changes with the intelligence quotient and the karyotype. The study comprised 29 cases [19 males and 10 females] with a mean age of [4.673 + 2.406] and 30 control children [19 males and 11 females] with a mean age of [4.632 + 2.568]. 27 cases had pure trisomy 21 and 2 cases was mosaics. General. clinical and orodental examination confirmed the developmental variability of Down syndrome patients. The orodental examination showed: 1- A high susceptibility to periodontal disease. 2- Bad oral hygiene. 3- High arched palate, macrogloasia hypocalcification fissured tongue, underdeveloped maxilla and delayed eruption of the primary teeth. The histological and histochemical changes were: 1- Increased inflammatory signs in the epithelium and connective tissue of the gingiva. 2- Amorphous amyloid deposits in lamina propria of Down syndrome children, while it was absent in that of control children. It was more in low I.Q. children with fair gingival index than those with better I.Q. 3- Neutral glycoprotein was stronger in Down syndrome than that in controls. 4- Reduction in the highly acidic MPS. 5- Total protein content was increased in Down syndrome children that of their controls. 6- Acid phosphatase activity was stronger in Down syndrome than of their controls. 7- Alkaline phosphatase activity was less in Down syndrome than of their controls. These changes point to a correlation which needs further investigation in a larger number of cases

Biogenic amines in human gingiva in healthy and inflamed states.

As inflammatory disturbance are of significance in every aspect of periodontal disease, it was deemed pertinent to conceive on experimental study exploring the existence and relationship of biogenic amines, at least in the inflammatory gingiva. Gingival samples from 50 human individuals representing varying grades of inflammatory involvement have been utilised in the present work. From the results of this study, it could be elucidated that biogenic amines (noradrenaline, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine) should show elevated concentration in inflammatory states of the gingiva. Further, these amines turnover was confirmed by studying monoamine oxidase which is a catalyzing enzyme of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine; and 5-hydroxy indole aceticacid is a metabolic end product of 5-hydroxytryptamine. This was of a transitory nature indicating increased levels at the early stages of inflammation followed by a decrease at the peak of the gingival inflammation. It is assumed that biogenic amines helps in regeneration of connective tissue of the oral mucosa during the initial development of inflammation rather than final stages of the process, thereby emphasizing its transitory role in the inflammatory process.

Cholinergic components in human gingiva in healthy and inflamed states.

Acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are main components in cholinergic nervous system. ACh is a natural constituent of many parts of the nervous system and its chief role is neurotransmission. It is not entirely unique in function to the cholinergic tissues of the human body. Gingiva is the part of the oral mucosa which contains numerous mast cells. They contain a variety of biologically active substances including neurotransmitters such as 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine etc. In the dental literature accessible to authors no data were found on ACh and AChE in the different oral structures in health and inflamed conditions. Therefore gingiva samples from 50 human individuals representing varying grades of inflammatory involvement have been utilised in the present study. ACh and AChE were estimated in the gingiva tissues by flurometric and spectrophotometric methods. This study established hithero unknown "norms" for the ACh and AChE contents of the clinically normal gingiva, which are found to be 0.85 +/- 0.06(SE) ug/g and 210 +/- 18(SE) micromoles ACh hydrolysed/hr/gm/wet tissues. Results also revealed that the range of variations of ACh is high and AChE is low in all the inflamed states of gingival tissues.