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Effects of Gold Salts on Experimental Periodontitis: II. Cell Population Characteristics
Author(s) -
Polson Alan M.,
Novak M. John,
Freeman Eric
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.1984.55.2.78
Subject(s) - gold sodium thiomalate , connective tissue , gold salts , periodontitis , population , medicine , chemotaxis , lesion , pathology , cell , chemistry , dentistry , biochemistry , rheumatoid arthritis , receptor , environmental health
A previous study showed that the systemic administration of soluble gold salts (gold sodium thiomalate) resulted in significantly less periodontal destruction after 2 weeks of experimentally induced periodontitis. In order to provide information on the possible mechanisms of action of gold salts in the experimental periodontitis situation, the present study analyzed and compared the characteristics of the inflammatory cell populations in animals receiving gold salts with those present in animals which had not received gold salts. Maxillary gingival biopsy specimens were obtained from the buccal aspect of ligatured teeth after 2 weeks of experimental periodontitis. Cell populations were characterized and enumerated, on 1‐micron sections, in an epithelial and superficial connective tissue zone, and a deep connective tissue zone. Significantly fewer inflammatory cells were present in experimental (gold receiving) specimens, and this reduction was due primarily to fewer polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs). No significant reduction occurred in any other inflammatory cell‐type. The reduction in number of PMNs in experimental specimens was associated with a decreased number of morphologically altered, degenerating fibroblasts in the connective tissue compared to the PMN‐dominated lesion of control specimens. Mechanisms whereby gold salts can reduce Chemotaxis and functional capabilities of inflammatory cells are discussed.