In Situ Lymphocyte Subpopulations from Active versus Stable Periodontal Sites

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Abstract
THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY WAS TO evaluated lymphocyte subset densities and distributions within gingival biopsies from active sites (.gtoreq. 2 mm clinical attachment loss within three months of biopsy) versus clinically similar but stable or healthy sites. Small interproximal gingival biopsies representing at least one of each of the above categories were obtained from each of 20 periodontal maintenance patients. Serial cryostat sections displaying a cross section of the gingiva were labeled with monoclonal antibodes for (1) pan T cells, (2) T cytotoxic/suppressor cells, (3) T helper/inducer cells and (4) pan B cells and were developed using an avidin-biotin-peroxidase system. Lymphocyte populations were enumerated in repeatable fields from the sulcular, middle and oral one-third of each section. Relative proportions of the same lymphocytes subsets were analyzed in peripheral blood samples from the same patients using direct immunofluorescence. Pan B cells were significantly more prevalant in infiltrates from active sites than in stable (P < 0.05) or healthy (P < 0.01) sites. The T/B cell ratio was also significantly lower in active than stable biopsies (P < 0.05), and in active biopsies versus blood (P < 0.05). The T helper/T suppressor cell ratio did not vary significantly between blood and any gingival tissue disease group or location, but a trend toward lower relative number of T helper cells in the sulcular infiltrates of active sites was noted. These results support the premise that active periodontal sites display elevated B cell populations and abnormal immune regulation possibly involving the T helper cell subset.
Funding Information
  • National Institutes of Health (DE06103, DE07550)