Th2 cells and the IFN-γ R1 subunit in early and advanced experimental periodontitis in rats; an immunohistochemical study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the involvement of Th2 cells in different periods of the active phase of experimental periodontal disease and expression of the R1 subunit of the receptor for IFN-γ during the early and advanced progression of the disease. Methods: Experimental periodontitis was induced in 30 male Wistar rats by placing cotton ligatures around the mandibular first molars. The rats were then randomly assigned into two groups: G1=15 and G2=15, in group G1, ligatures were maintained for 2 days, a period that corresponds to the initial stage of periodontal disease in rats, in G2 ligatures were left for 15 days, a period that corresponds to the advanced stage of periodontal disease. The contra-lateral teeth served as controls (unligated). An immunohistochemical investigation of the gingival tissue was performed to detect the presence of the Th2 specific transcription factor (GATA3). Results: Light microscopy analysis revealed a decreased expression of GATA-3-positive cells when bone loss progressed. IFN-γ R1 was detected at an early stage during the active phase of disease, but the expression of positive cells remained unaltered during the remaining period of the study. Conclusions: These results indicate that the Th2 response may have a protective role during the pathogenesis of experimental periodontal disease, and that the IFN-γ R1 subunit may not be associated with periodontal disease progression.

Interferon Crevicular Fluid Profile and Correlation with Periodontal Disease and Wound Healing: A Systemic Review of Recent Data

“…IFN-γ plays a role in bone resorption, too, and its presence seems to be significant in healing after periodontal disease therapy. Increases in bone volume and trabecular bone number and decreases in trabecular separation revealed the antiosteoclastic activity of IFN-γ [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

Periodontitis is associated with disease severity and anti-double stranded DNA antibody and interferon-gamma levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

“…Stem cells in the periodontal ligament and stem cells from other tissues have an immunomodulatory capacity regulated by IFN-γ. IFN-γ plays a role in systemic disease through its receptors consisting of two polypeptide chains, known as IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 18 . IFN-γ can increase T cell production and induce B cells to produce autoantibodies through the neutrophil extracellular traps pathway.…”