Invasion of vascular cells in vitro by Porphyromonas endodontalis.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine whether laboratory strains and clinical isolates of microorganisms associated with root canal infections can invade primary cultures of cardiovascular cells.


METHODS
Quantitative levels of bacterial invasion of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMC) were measured using a standard antibiotic protection assay. Transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm and visualize internalization within the vascular cells.


RESULTS
Of the laboratory and clinical strains tested, only P. endodontalis ATCC 35406 was invasive in an antibiotic protection assay using HCAEC and CASMC. Invasion of P. endodontalis ATCC 35406 was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
Certain microorganisms associated with endodontic infections are invasive. If bacterial invasion of the vasculature contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, then microorganisms in the pulp chamber represent potential pathogens.
Dorn
B R
BR
Center for Molecular Microbiology, Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Harris
L J
LJ
Wujick
C T
CT
Vertucci
F J
FJ
Progulske-Fox
A
A
D016866:Bacteroidaceae Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology; D003470:Culture Media; D003788:Dental Pulp Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology; D017861:Porphyromonas / Q000145:classification / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D016966:Porphyromonas gingivalis / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology; D018720:Prevotella / Q000145:classification / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology; D018713:Prevotella intermedia / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology
D003470:Culture Media