Experimental Gingivitis in the Albino Hamster

Chronic gingivitis is an inflammatory disorder of the gingiva. Past investigations have demonstrated that microbial plaque lying adjacent to the host's gingival tissues is the primary etiologic factor, initiating gingival inflammation and the ensuing periodontal disease.1 A table of the normal human oral flora is given in Table I. Much of the research concerned with periodontal disease has depended upon the use of experimental animals, especially rodents. The model of choice in this study, the albino hamster, has been successfully used in periodontal studies2,3 (see Table II). Numerous studies have implicated various strains of Actinomyces as primary etiologic agents in gingivitis and Periodontitis 3-5 (see Table II). In addition, specific antibody activity against Actinomyces naeslundii, A. israelii, A. viscosus, and Streptococcus mutans has been demonstrated in the gingiva of patients with chronic periodontal disease by use of the fluorescent antibody technique.6 The fluorescent antibody technique, used in this study, has provided rapid and specific identification of several Actinomyces species, including A. naeslundii, both in clinical material and isolated in pure culture.7,8 That specific serum antibodies are produced in patients with periodontal disease has been documented.9"12 Further, both immediate hypersensitivity to Actinomyces and the presence of serum antibodies in humans has been reported.10"12 The antigenic activity of cell portions of A. naeslundii has been demonstrated.13 The purpose of this investigation is to demonstrate an induction of specific antibody activity against A. naeslundii in albino hamsters resulting from an oral administration of this organism to these animals experimentally. The role of A. naeslundii in the initiation of experimental gingivitis in these animals will also be investigated.