Presence of CXCR3-positive cells and IFN-gamma-producing cells in human periapical granulomas.
In an attempt to understand further the balance between the types of helper T (Th) cells in human apical periodontitis, we examined the difference in the expression of the chemokine receptor and cytokine in samples obtained from human subjects by means of immunohistochemical methods. Chemokine receptor CXCR3-positive cells and IFN-gamma-producing cells were found to be present in human periapical granulomas, whereas chemokine receptor CCR3-positive cells and IL-4-producing cells could not be detected. By contrast, no factor expression was observed in a clinically healthy periodontal ligament serving as a negative control. Our findings suggest that Th1 cells may play an important role in the pathological process of local inflammation such as apical periodontitis.
Kabashima
Hiroaki
H
Section of Periodontology, Division of Oral Rehabilitation, Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. hkabashi@dent.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Yoneda
Masahiro
M
Nakamuta
Hiroyoshi
H
Nagata
Kengo
K
Isobe
Ryoko
R
Motooka
Noriko
N
Maeda
Katsumasa
K
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D050832:Interferon-Stimulated Gene Factor 3; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010484:Periapical Granuloma / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D054367:Receptors, CXCR3; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine / Q000032:analysis*; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000032:analysis*
C515187:CXCR3 protein, human; D050832:Interferon-Stimulated Gene Factor 3; D054367:Receptors, CXCR3; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine; D014157:Transcription Factors; C079868:gamma interferon activation factor