根管内の病的因子について

抄録

Abstract : It is well known that bacteria are one of the most important causative agents of pulpitis and apical periodontitis. Various kinds of bacteria such as Eubacterium, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Prevotella, and Porphyromonas have been isolated from infected root canals. A great abundance of bacteria seems to be associated with pulpitis and apical periodontitis. Also bacteria with enzyme activity such as collagenase, chondroitinase, and hyaluronidase may play very important roles in the pathogenesis of pulpitis and periapical disease.

 Endotoxin, a cell component of gram-negative bacteria, has gained attention as a provocative factor of pulpitis and apical periodontitis. This consideration of endotoxin is important, for endotoxin has many inflammatory actions, such as the causing Schwartzman reaction and leukocyte migration, and it also has adjuvant and complement-fixing activities. The endotoxin content in the dentin wall was higher in teeth with radiolucent areas than in those without them. Endotoxin may be one of the causes of apical periodontitis. However, in general, we suggest that there are multiple causes of pulpitis and apical periodontitis, such as bacteria, their products, and many other kinds of factors.