The Significance of Serum Factors in Stimulation of Lymphocytes from Patients with Periodontal Disease by Veillonella Alcalescens

Abstract

Peripheral blood lymphocytes were stimulated in vitro by sonicates of Veillonella alcalescens, in the presence of autologous and substituted sera. An inhibition of response of lymphocytes from patients with gingivitis or early periodontitis was found when autologous serum was replaced by serum from patients with severe periodontitis. Conversely, the deficient response of lymphocytes from patients with severe periodontitis was enhanced when autologous serum was replaced by serum from patients with gingivitis or mild periodontitis. The serum stimulating and inhibitory factors did not alter the negative response of lymphocytes from normal subjects, who have not apparently been sensitized to Veillonella alcalescens antigens.