Expression pattern of adhesion molecules in junctional epithelium differs from that in other gingival epithelia

Abstract

These findings indicated that the junctional epithelium contains only a few desmosomes, composed of only desmoglein 3; adherens junctions are probably absent because of defective E-cadherin. Thus, the anchoring junctions connecting junctional epithelium cells are lax, causing widened intercellular spaces. In contrast, the oral gingival epithelium, which has a few tight junctions, functions as a barrier.

Localization of bromodeoxyuridine-incorporating, p63- and p75NGFR- expressing cells in the human gingival epithelium

“…The keratinizing oral gingival epithelium lines the external surface, while the non-keratinizing sulcular epithelium lines the inner sulcus. The junctional epithelium, which collars the tooth, has cellular characteristics different from those of the other two epithelia, such as the types of keratin (6) and adhesion molecules (7). Identifying the area with high proliferative activity in the three gingival epithelia, where stem cells are believed to exist, would certainly help to develop beneficial regenerative therapy for periodontal disease.…”

Porphyromonas Gingivalisand Dextran Sulfate Sodium Induce Periodontitis Through the Disruption of Physical Barriers in Mice

“…The epithelial barrier consists of physical, chemical, and immunological barriers. Gingival epithelial cells adjoined by tight junction (TJ)-related structures and adhering junctions form the unique architectural integrity of the stratified epithelia, which provides a physical barrier (5,6). In addition, a variety of antimicrobial peptides, such as human beta defensins and LL-37, secreted by epithelial cells form a chemical barrier (7).…”

The Role of Chemokines and Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Periodontal and Periapical Lesions: Current Concepts

“…This epithelium adjacent to a tooth can be classified into three anatomical types: the oral gingival epithelium, the sulcular epithelium, and the junctional epithelium (Hatakeyama et al, 2006). The oral gingival epithelium is composed of a keratinizing stratified epithelium and covers the external surface of the gingiva, while the sulcular epithelium is a nonkeratinizing epithelium that lines the inner aspect of the gingival sulcus.…”

“…Namely, the junctional epithelium is located at a strategically important interface between the gingival sulcus and the underlying soft and mineralized connective tissues of the periodontium (Hatakeyama et al, 2006, Hormia et al, 2001, contains a nonkeratinizing epithelial layer at the free surface. The gingival epithelium, in particular, the junctional epithelium is highly porous and the epithelial cells are interconnected by a few desmosomes and the occasional gap junction, resulting in wider intercellular spaces that may provide a pathway for fluid and transmigrating leukocytes from the gingival connective tissue to the gingival sulcus (Hashimoto et al, 1986, Bosshardt & Lang 2005, Hatakeyama et al, 2006, and even for microorganisms moving in the opposite direction (Bosshardt & Lang 2005, Darveau, 2010, Darveau et al, 1997, Marra & Isberg, 1996, Page & Schroeder, 1976, Tonetti et al, 1998. In the absence of clinical signs of inflammation, approximately 30,000 polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) migrate per minute through the junctional epithelia of all human teeth into the oral cavity (Darveau, 2010, Schiött & Löe, 1970.…”