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Dextran Penetration Through Nonkeratinized and Keratinized Epithelia in Monkeys
Author(s) -
Nasjleti Carlos E.,
Caffesse Raul G.
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.1984.55.7.424
Subject(s) - medicine , dentistry , epithelium , penetration (warfare) , dextran , pathology , chemistry , operations research , engineering , biochemistry
T he purpose of this study was to determine if polysaccharide dextrans would pass through intact‐nonkeratinized and induced‐keratinized sulcular epithelia in monkeys. Dextran penetration through normally keratinized oral gingival epithelium also was evaluated in the same gingival specimens. Each of three Rhesus monkeys received a thorough prophylaxis 1 week prior to the experiment. During this week, the monkeys also received daily IV injections of Achromycin. After the antibiotic treatment, the teeth were polished and cleaned with a rubber cup using prophylactic paste for 2 consecutive months, as follows: (1) the right maxillary and mandibular teeth received daily prophylaxes on weekdays and (2) the left maxillary and mandibular teeth received one prophylaxis weekly. These frequencies of plaque removal on one‐half of the mouth maintained clinically healthy gingiva and produced keratinization of the sulcular epithelium. At the end of the 2‐month prophylaxes, a 5% solution of dextrans derived from Leuconostoc mesenteroides was applied topically to the gingiva once daily for 3 consecutive weeks. During this time, the monkeys continued having dental prophylaxes following the previous time schedule. The study showed that inducedkeratinized sulcular epithelium as well as normally keratinized oral gingival epithelium resisted penetration of dextrans, whereas intact‐nonkeratinized sulcular epithelium apparently lacked a surface layer resistant to penetration.