Abstract

The root canal system, which includes the periapical region of the tooth, may become infected by several types of microorganisms which are normally associated with these tissues. A bacteria-specific antibody response may occur at the local level, where various classes of immunoglobulins have been found and reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively measure locally produced immunoglobulin' levels in periapical lesion abscess materials and to determine the specific reactivity of these antibodies to several microorganisms which are normal flora, as well as being previously associated with the development and pathogenesis of endodontic infections. Periapical lesions were developed into tissue culture explants. Antibodies produced within these tissues were released into the cell culture fluid and measured, utilizing the ELISA technique. In addition, an ELISA Amplifier System was incorporated into the assay, greatly increasing the sensitivity of detection of antibody. The data indicate that localized immunoglobulins of the IgG, IgA, and IgM classes were released from these tissues, and that specific reactivity against sixteen oral microorganisms was observed, indicating that these infections are probably multibacterial in nature and not caused exclusively by a single organism.

LLU Discipline

Microbiology

Department

Microbiology

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

James D. Kettering

Second Advisor

Bruce Wilcox

Third Advisor

Guiseppe Molinaro

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1988

Date (Title Page)

6-1988

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Periapical Abscess -- etiology; Antibodies, Bacterial; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Bacteria -- immunology

Type

Thesis

Page Count

v; 54

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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