Sequential cell-mediated immune responses in experimental gingivitis in man.

  • 1 March 1974
    • journal article
    • Vol. 16  (3) , 481-92
Abstract
Sequential changes in cell-mediated immune responses were examined in ten young healthy subjects who abstained from routine oral hygiene measures for 28 days. Accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth and the associated gingival inflammation were correlated with an increase in lymphocyte transformation and macrophage migration inhibition reactions to sonicates of autologous bacterial plaque, a number of Gram-negative endotoxin-containing organisms, Actinomyces viscosus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. A biphasic response in lymphocyte transformation was found with two peaks at day 14 and day 28 to day 35, and this was also found with purified protein derivative.