Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the immunohistochemical localization of chondoroitin sulfate isomers (chondroitin-4 sulfate, -6 sulfate and dermatan sulfate) of proteoglycans (PGs) in dog periodontal tissues during experimental periodontitis (floss ligatures were placed for periods of 0, 3, 7, 21 and 60 days) using monoclonal anti-bodies (2-B-6, 3-B-3). The result demonstrated that on Day 0, chondroitin-4 sulfate and dermatan sulfate -PGs were widespread in gingival connective tissue and periodontal membrans, with an especially strong response of dermatan sulfate-PG along collagen fiber bundles. Chondroitin-6 sulfate PG was located at the junction between the gingival connective tissue and epithelium, some areas of connective tissue attachment and peripheral blood vessels in gingival and periodontal membranes. In alveolar bone, chondroitin-4 sulfate, -6 sulfate and dermatan sulfate-PGs were found inside of Haversian canals, Volkman's canals and lacunae. In the phase of acute inflammation (Days 3 and 7), the staining patterns or cnonaroitin-4 suirate, -o suiiate arm dermatan sulfate-PGs were barely observable in small areas of destroyed gingival connective tissue. In addition, positive staining of chondroitin-4 sulfate, -6 sulfate and dermatan sulfate-PGs was found along the periphery of cells like osteoclast and in the loose connective tissue of active alveolar bone resorption lacunae. In the pahse of chronic inflammation (days 21 and 60), in which destruction of gingival connective tissue occurs, chondroitin-4 sulfate, -6 sulfate and dermatan sulfate-PGs stained weakly in a widespread area. On days 21 and 60, the staining patterns of the three chondroitin sulfate isomer-PGs in bone resorption lacunae were weak compared with those on Day 3 and 7 even though bone resorption had advanced. These findings suggest that chondroitin-4 sulfate, -6 sulfate and dermatan sulfate-PGs may be degraded by inflammation in gingival connective tissue and may play an important role in the initial stage of bone resorption.
