Interaction of inflammatory cells and oral microorganisms

Abstract

The mechanisms of PMN lysosome release in response to dental plaque were investigated in virto. Human peripheral blood PMNs were exposed to pools of homologous supragingival and subgingival plaque. Under these condition, cells actively responded by releasing lysosomal markers (lysozyme, β‐glucuronidase, myeloperoxidase and lactorferrin) but bot lactate dehydrogenase, a non‐lysosomal enzyme, into the culture medium. Although phagocytosis of plaque. bacteria may be one mechanism to account for PMN lysosomal discharge, evidence is presented to support the concept that PMNs may be relevant in explaining the role of PMNs and lysosomes in the pathogenesis of periodntal disease.