Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the immunohistochemical localization of heparan sulfate (HS) using monoclonal antibody (HepSS-1) in the periodontal tissues of dogs during experimental periodontitis. Periodontitis was induced by floss ligature placement in the gingival crevices. The ligatures were left in place for periods of 3, 7 and 21 days.
In the healthy tissue, HS was located in the intra and intercellular spaces of the gingival epithelium. HS was also present in cells (blood vessel cells, nerve cells and fibroblasts) in the healthy gingival connective tissue and periodontal membrane.
The localization pattern of HS in inflamed tissue was similar to its localization in healthy tissue expect staining response in the intercellualr spaces of the gingival epithelium. HS was also found in the osteoclastic cells detected in the resorption lacunae of alveolar bone in the acute phase of inflammation.
These findings indicate that HS may play a role in cell metabolism in addition to tissue construction.
