T lymphocytes, Langerhans cells and HLA-DR expression on keratinocytes in oral lesions associated with amalgam restorations.
It has been shown recently that patients with mucosal lesions confined to areas opposing amalgam restorations (contact lesions) show a high rate of allergic reaction towards mercury. These lesions may, therefore, represent a contact hypersensitivity reaction. Contact lesions often have a lichenoid appearance. From a pathogenetic and differential diagnostic point of view we therefore evaluated the presence of lymphocyte subpopulations, Langerhans cells (LC) and the expression of HLA-DR antigens on mucosal keratinocytes in biopsies of contact lesions (Group 1) and in lichen planus lesions with (Group 2) and without (Group 3) partial contact with amalgam restorations. T lymphocytes dominated in all three groups and LC counts were similar. HLA-DR positive keratinocytes were found in 18-36% of lesions in all three groups. Thus, the immunologic parameters examined are not of value in discriminating between the types of lesions studied. Rather, it seems that the pattern observed is a common reaction of the oral mucosa to known (amalgam restorations) and unknown factors.
Bolewska
J
J
Department of Oral Pathology, Royal Dental College, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Reibel
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002452:Cell Count; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000276:immunology; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000032:analysis*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D003723:Dental Amalgam