Capsaicin-induced local elevations in collagenase-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-8) levels in human gingival crevice fluid.
OBJECTIVE
Application of capsaicin on alveolar mucosa provokes pain and neurogenic vasodilatation in the adjacent gingiva. Pain-associated inflammatory reactions may initiate expression of several pro-inflammatory mediators. Collagenase-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-8: MMP-8) is the major destructive protease, especially in the periodontitis-affected gingival crevice fluid (GCF). With this background, we wished to study whether capsaicin stimulation of alveolar mucosa can induce changes in the GCF MMP-8 levels.


METHODS
For 10 generally and periodontally healthy human volunteers, capsaicin (3%)-moistened filter paper was applied unilaterally to the buccal alveolar mucosa on the anterior maxilla. GCF samples were collected from the tooth at the stimulation site and from several other incisors in the upper jaw. MMP-8 levels and molecular forms in GCF samples were determined by immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and western immunoblotting, respectively.


RESULTS
Capsaicin stimulation of the alveolar mucosa induced significant local elevations in levels and activation of MMP-8 in GCF of the adjacent teeth. Western immunoblot revealed that both neutrophil- and mesenchymal-type MMP-8 isoforms were elevated and activated, together with 110 kDa high-molecular size MMP-8 species. This capsaicin-evoked MMP-8 elevation lasted several minutes after stimulation. During the experiments, no marked changes occurred in MMP-8 levels in the GCF of distantly located teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that capsaicin-evoked neurogenic gingival inflammation can trigger the expression and activation of MMP-8 in GCF of the adjacent teeth.
Avellan
N-L
NL
Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Kemppainen
P
P
Tervahartiala
T
T
Vilppola
P
P
Forster
C
C
Sorsa
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000539:Alveolar Process; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D005260:Female; D015200:Fluoroimmunoassay; D005883:Gingival Crevicular Fluid / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / Q000187:drug effects*; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000201:enzymology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D020078:Neurogenic Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000201:enzymology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D013997:Time Factors
D007527:Isoenzymes; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8; D002211:Capsaicin