Aleo, J.J.; DeRenzis, F.A.; Farber, P.A.; Varboncoeur, A.P.: The Presence and Biologic Activity of Cementum-Bound Endotoxin. J. Periodontol. 45:672, 1974.

Periodontal disease is often accompanied by gram-negative bacterium which most of whom contain lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin), a potent inflammatory agent as part of their cell wall. This study was undertaken to determine whether changes in cementum structure enhance absorption of bacterial endotoxin to the root surface. And a look at the biologic effects of the cementum bound material as tested on mammalian cells using tissue culture system.

Methods:

• unknown number of teeth that were destine for extraction and who had 30% or more bone loss were chosen. Post extraction soft tissues were removed form the root surfaces. The root were divided into areas that were involved with disease and those which were not. Limulus lysate technique used to disclose endotoxin. The Limulus coagulation test has been shown to be specific for endotoxin and does not yield false positives with other bacterial toxins (Tojas-Corona, R. et al.'69). Mouse fibroblast were used for tissue culture studies.

Discoveries:

• Endotoxin was found to be present in the cementum of untreated periodontally involved teeth having 30% or more loss of supporting bone. The biologic effects of this cementum-bound endotoxin were studied in vitro. Concentrations as low as 0.30 µg/ml of culture medium were effective in depressing cell proliferation and viability. When compared to endotoxin form E. coli, the cementum-bound endotoxin was found to be more toxic. Either biologic activities of the endotoxins studied are not present to an equal degree, or the cementum-bound material contains other heat-resistant toxic substances.

Back: Cementum Articles
Menu: Literature Review Topics
Home: PIC Homepage