Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes and Protease Inhibitors in the Gingival Crevice

Murray, Madeleine C (1996) Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes and Protease Inhibitors in the Gingival Crevice. MSc(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis presents the results of a cross sectional clinical study of the PMN granule markers elastase and lactoferrin in conjunction with the major protease inhibitors alpha 1 antitrypsin and alpha 2 macroglobulin in the gingival crevice. 10 subjects with chronic adult periodontitis were selected. Each subject had GCF collected from a healthy site, a gingivitis site and a periodontitis site. The samples were analysed by ELISA. Analysis of the date confirmed that the sites were separated on the basis of clinical findings. With regard to the PMN granule markers, elastase was not able to discriminate between periodontal sites on the basis of absolute amounts or concentration whereas statistically significant differences were observed in relation to the absolute amount of lactoferrin at healthy and periodontitis sites. The relationship between lactoferrin and elastase changed significantly when comparing healthy and gingivitis sites with periodontitis sites, where a 10-fold decrease in the relative release of elastase was noted. It is proposed that this relationship of PMN granule markers may be a useful indicator of periodontal breakdown. In addition it may indicate basic changes in the dynamics of PMN activity in the gingival crevice in relation to the disease state. With regard to protease inhibitors, alpha 1 antitrypsin increased significantly in absolute amounts at sites of inflammation but remained unchanged in relation to its concentration. Alpha 2 macroglobulin increased at sites of inflammation in absolute amounts and was at highest concentration at sites of gingivitis. At sites of inflammation the amount of protease inhibitor relative to elastase increased. Thus, there was no evidence of a defective, host related protease inhibitor mechanism.

• Item Type: Thesis (MSc(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Additional Information: Adviser: John Mooney
• Keywords: Dentistry
• Date of Award: 1996
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1996-74755
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 27 Sep 2019 16:37
• Last Modified: 27 Sep 2019 16:37
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/74755