Prostaglandin E and the local immune response in chronic periodontal disease

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Abstract
The local immune reaction of progressive chronic periodontal disease may be particularly influenced by macrophages and macrophage‐derived factors. Among these substances the prostaglandins and lysosomal enzymes may play an important pathogenetic role. Parallel immunohistochemical and radioimmunological studies were done to investigate the relationships of the immune‐competent cells and the inflammatory mediators in gingival tissues. The radioimmunological analysis revealed that prostaglandin E increases markedly in the established gingival lesions. Immunohistochemically prostaglandin E was mainly localized within macrophage‐like cells. Cytoplasmic lysozyme could be detected in these cells, too. On the other hand, the B‐cell response is the prominent feature in established chronic periodontal disease. However, there is apparently a disturbed B‐cell reaction as indicated by the irregular IgG‐subclass pattern and by the production of mainly monomeric IgA. The possible interactions of macrophages and especially B‐cells via prostaglandin E‐mediated mechanisms are discussed.