Tissue-Destructive Products of Gingival Bacteria From Nonspecific Gingivitis

Abstract

The presence of agents capable of attacking hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and a collagen preparation (azocoll) were demonstrated in most of 28 bacteria-free filtrates prepared from gingival deposits obtained from individuals with various degrees of gingival inflammation. The active substances were not found in filtrates prepared from gingival deposits removed from individuals with clinically normal gingiva. Histamine could not be detected in extracts of gingival deposits from patients with gingivitis or in extracts of inflamed gingival tissues. Several microorganisms isolated from gingival sockets of individuals with gingivitis were shown to be capable of producing hyaluronidase and protease.