Peripheral T lymphocyte subsets in rapidly progressive periodontitis

Abstract

The peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of 10 patients with rapidly progressive periodontitis were investigated with monoclonal antibody. In 4 patients, the T helper/T suppressor ratio was increased. 5 others had a slightly reduced T helper/T suppressor ratio as compared to control group. These findings may indicate a possible cellular immune response in the pathogenesis of rapidly progressive periodontitis.