Density and localization of lymphocytes with natural‐killer (NK) cell activity in periodontal biopsy specimens from patients with severe periodontitis

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Abstract
Natural killer lymphocytes (NKL) in gingival biopsy specimens of 13 patients with advanced periodontitis and 6 normal control subjects have been evaluated by the monoclonal antibody NC 1. anti‐B4 and a double immunoen‐zymatic labeling technique, combining the peroxidase‐anti‐peroxidase (PAP) method with the alkaline‐phosphatase‐anti‐alkaline‐phosphatase (APAAP) technique. Mononuclear cells with NK‐activity (NKA) were mainly accumulated in the upper to middle third of the periodontal pocket. The concentration of NCI‐positive cells (CNC) of the baseline biopsy specimens was significantly increased at p = 0.05 compared to the CNC after hygiene training. The statistical difference rose to p = 0.Ol following scaling, root planing and curettage therapy. The healthy gingiva of control subjects showed an average of 1–2 NKL, and no statistical difference could be found when compared to the CNC of the biopsy specimens of patients after periodontal therapy. These data support the hypothesis that antibody‐dependent cytotoxic immunoreactive lymphocytes in chronic inflammatory periodontal disease can be reduced by scaling and root planing therapy.

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