Tissue reactions to a component of root canal system bacteria: lipoteichoic acid

Abstract

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), present in Gram-positive microorganisms, has physiochemical characteristics that allow it to act as an immunogen. Due to polymicrobial characteristics of root canal infections, LTA can participate in the development of periapical disease. The reaction of the rat subcutaneous tissue to Teflon tube implants, filled with Fibrinol soaked in lipoteichoic acid (concentration of 150 microg/ml), was observed. Lipoteichoic acid provoked an inflammatory tissue reaction.

The effect of pH on surface hardness and microstructure of mineral trioxide aggregate

“…1999, Torabinejad & Chivian 1999, Shabahang & Torabinejad 2000). One reason for this lack of hydration might be the acidic pH of inflamed tissue in contact with the material, including the presence of various acids secreted by bacteria in an infected site (Seltzer & Naidorf 1985, Lardner 2001, Costa Junior et al. 2003).…”

Gram Positive Bacterial Lipoteichoic Acid Role in a Root Canal Infection – A Literature Review

“…Literature search shows that LTA can activate classic and alternative pathways of the complement system, activaties macrophages to release inflammatory mediators and causes several tissue alterations including bone resorption 10 . Various in vitro studies have shown variations in immunostimulatory potential of LTA and this variations can be avoided by more gentle high purification process of LTA extraction which can maintain the immunostimulatory potential 11 .…”

“…It also has role in biofilm formation that enables bacteria to survive in adverse environments 12,13 . Study carried out by Costa Junior et al has shown that Streptococcus faecalis LTA provoked a chronic inflammatory tissue reaction and can contribute to formation of a periapical lesion 10 .…”