title: Cytotoxic T lymphocytes versus streptococcal colonization in periapical granulomas.
abstract: Seventeen dental periapical lesions were investigated to study bacterial colonization. Periapical lesions, obtained after apicotomy, were also enzymatically desegregated to quantitatively analyze lymphocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry. Fourteen samples yielded a positive bacterial growth when homogenized and cultured. We isolated enough lymphocytes to make flow cytometric analysis from 12 samples. A significant increase in interleukin-2 receptor and ICAM-1 molecule expression on T cells was found, compared with peripheral blood lymphocytes. Furthermore, a decreased expression of interleukin-2 receptors and HLA DR molecules on CD8+ T cells was found in granulomas predominantly colonized by Streptococcus spp., compared with lesions predominantly colonized by strict anaerobes.
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University Clinical Centre Ljubljiana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: N I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Hren
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gubina
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ihan
mesh_terms: D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002469:Cell Separation; D046508:Culture Techniques; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000032:analysis; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D010484:Periapical Granuloma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1