The distribution and quantitation of cementum-bound lipopolysaccharide on periodontally diseased root surfaces of human teeth.
The aim of this study was to estimate the concentration of cementum-bound LPS on a group of 12 teeth that had been extracted because of periodontitis. LPS on scaled root surfaces was labelled by immunogold/silver staining. The concentrations of LPS were estimated by quantifying the amount of bound silver label, using X-ray microanalysis in areas free of plaque or calculus. These were compared against standards of known LPS concentration, which were separately prepared for each sample. Cementum-bound LPS was detected at concentrations of up to 2 EU/mm2 of affected root surface. However, most of the root surfaces had considerably lower concentrations than this, the mean of all samples never exceeding 0.7 EU/mm2. LPS concentrations were highest on cementum towards the apical regions of the affected pocket. These findings confirm that cementum-bound LPS is only present in low concentrations on affected teeth, and suggest that the clinical significance of cementum-associated LPS may have been over-estimated in the past. The demonstration of LPS appears to be more important as an indicator of retained bacteria and calculus than of cementum-bound LPS per se.
Hughes
F J
FJ
Department of Oral Medicine & Periodontology, London Hospital Medical College, England.
Smales
F C
FC
D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000032:analysis*; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000032:analysis*; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000378:metabolism*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000032:analysis*
D008070:Lipopolysaccharides