Abstract
The purpose of this study was to show whether rabbit anti-collagen antiserum could induce gingivitis and to show what kind of host responses would be, if occurred.
Two mongrel dogs were toothbrushed for about 2 months to establish healthy gingiva. Rabbit antisera against dog skin acid soluble collagen (anti-collagen) and against dog skin collagen digested by collagenase (anti-d-collagen) were injected topically into the gingivae. Physiological saline (S) and normal rabbit serum (NRS) were used as the controls. Three days and 4 weeks after each injection the gingival strips were taken. Alterations in the gingiva were examined histopathologically and by fluorescent antibody techniques. The dogs were then sensitized with NRS γ-globulin fraction and the same procedure described above was done. Toothbrushing was carried out throughout the experiment.
The following findings were obtained:
1) Total number of cells in perivascular connective tissue (TNC) at injection sites increased 3 days after the injection of anti-collagen and anti-d-collagen as compared with S and NRS significantly (P<0.01). Four weeks after the injection the inflammation was reduced.
2) Three days and 4 weeks after the injection of anti-collagen, IgG, IgM and C3 were stained a little stronger as compared with S and NRS. T-and B-cells were observed 3 days after the injection but almost disappeared 4 weeks later.
3) After sensitization with NRS γ-globulin fraction one dog had the same tendency in TNC as before sensitization and the other dog showed no changes 3 days and 4 weeks after the injection.
4) Three days after the injection of anti-collagen and anti-d-collagen in the sensitized dogs, IgG, IgM and C3 were stained obviously more intensive than the controls. A few T-and B-cells were observed 3 days after the injection, but disappeared 4 weeks after the injection.
These findings indicate that gingivitis could be induced by injection of anti-collagen and anti-d-collagen in a short duration.
