The effect of periodontal therapy on lymphocyte blastogenesis to plaque associated microorganisms

Abstract

The effect of clinical treatment on the in vitro lymphocyte blastogenic response to a panel of dental plaque-associated microorganisms, as well as non-oral antigens, was assessed longitudinally in a group of 23 patients during treatment for periodontitis. The patients'' blastogenic response to the non-oral antigens remained constant, without significant change, throughout the 3 yr study. Following scaling, root planning and oral hygiene instruction (hygiene phase), an increased blastogenic response to the plaque-associated stimulants (except Bacteroides gingivalis) was observed. Responses measured after periodontal surgery and 1 yr following the hygiene phase (first maintenance year) were lower than pretreatment values. Between the 1st and 2nd yearly maintenance phase evaluations there was a significant increase in the blastogenic response to Actinomyces viscosus, B. gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Thus, periodontal therapy initially resulted in a reduction of plaque antigen-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis. The responses increased again with time in the absence of deteriorating clinical parameters.