Experimental tooth pain elevates substance P and matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels in human gingival crevice fluid.
OBJECTIVE
Tooth pain can induce a neurogenic inflammatory reaction in gingiva in association with local elevations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, which is considered the major tissue destructive protease in gingival crevice fluid (GCF). The pro-inflammatory neuropeptides released by sensory nerves coordinate the activities of the immuno-effector cells and may influence the secretion of MMP-8. With this background, we studied whether experimental tooth pain can trigger changes in GCF levels of the neuropeptide substance P (SP) and MMP-8.


METHODS
The GCF SP levels of stimulated and non-stimulated teeth were analyzed for SP using a competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The GCF MMP-8 levels were determined by quantitative immunofluorometric assay (IFMA).


RESULTS
Painful stimulation of the upper central incisor caused significant elevations in GCF SP and MMP-8 levels of the stimulated tooth. At the same time, the GCF SP and MMP-8 levels of non-stimulated control teeth were unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that experimental tooth pain can induce local elevations of SP and MMP-8 levels in GCF simultaneously. This supports the possibility of a local neurogenic spread of inflammatory reactions from intrapulpal to surrounding periodontal tissues.
Avellán
Nina-Li
NL
Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Finland. nina-li.avellan@helsinki.fi
Sorsa
Timo
T
Tervahartiala
Taina
T
Forster
Clemens
C
Kemppainen
Pentti
P
D000328:Adult; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000378:metabolism*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005881:Gingiva / Q000378:metabolism; D005883:Gingival Crevicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007180:Incisor / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D020078:Neurogenic Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013373:Substance P / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D014098:Toothache / Q000378:metabolism*
D013373:Substance P; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8