study of the lysosomal activity of human gingivae during pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Forty four gingival biopsies were obtained from 44 women patients of whom 36 were pregnant and divided into 3 equal groups according to the trimester of pregnancy, while the other 8 non-pregnant women served as controls. Biopsies were studied by the histochemical Gomori's technique to detect acid phosphatase enzyme as a marker of lysosomal reactivity. Lysosomal activity is decreased during pregnancy beginning from the first up to the second trimester. These alterations may impair the - host defense mechanisms against local irritating factors. Hence, neglectance of oral hygiene during pregnancy is considered a warning signal towards the accentuated and/or exaggerated gingival response to local irritants