title: Human polymorphonuclear granule components: relative levels detected by a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in normal and inflamed dental pulps.
abstract: Lysosomal granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's) contain proteolytic enzymes and other components important in the regulation of inflammation and the elimination of bacteria or debris associated with pulp disease. However, PMN lysosomal degranulation is nonspecific and can result in destruction of healthy connective tissue adjacent to the areas of damaged or infected tissue. For this study a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the human PMN lysosomal granule products: elastase, cathepsin G, and lactoferrin. Evaluation of 55 pulp samples yielded a statistically significant difference (p less than 0.05) among the levels of elastase and lactoferrin in normal and moderate to severely inflamed pulps. Although cathepsin G levels were increased, there was no statistical significance (p greater than 0.05) among groups. The results indicate that a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique can be used to measure PMN lysosomal granule components in dental pulp tissues. Additionally, elastase and lactoferrin levels appear to be valid diagnostic markers of advanced dental pulp disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Dental School, University of Maryland 21201-1586.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Rauschenberger
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Kaminski
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Osetek
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D056649:Cathepsin G; D002403:Cathepsins / Q000032:analysis; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000032:analysis; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000201:enzymology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000032:analysis; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000201:enzymology*; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D002403:Cathepsins; D007781:Lactoferrin; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; C534094:CTSG protein, human; D056649:Cathepsin G; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase