Our results suggest that nicotine may induce an altered compartmentalization process in which beta1 integrin molecules are produced, but are not appropriately transferred to the membrane. Nicotine effects on cellular protein synthesis and its modulation of beta1 integrin expression may impair gingival fibroblast ability to adhere to and communicate with one another and with the extracellular matrix, which could impair wound healing and/or exacerbate periodontal disease.