CD4 to CD8 Ratio and In Vitro Lymphoproliferative Responses During Experimental Gingivitis in Pregnancy and Post‐Partum

Abstract

The absolute numbers and percentages of peripheral T, B, and NK cells were assessed in 7 women, both during the second trimester of pregnancy and 6 months Postpartum. Furthermore, the in vitro responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to several mitogens and a preparation of Prevotella intermedia were compared in a period of experimentally‐induced gingivitis during pregnancy and post‐partum. Clinically, the periodontal pocket bleeding index (PPBI) was found to be higher during pregnancy than post‐partum. The absolute numbers of CD3, CD4, and CD19 positive cells appeared to be decreased during pregnancy as compared to post‐partum. However, the results did not indicate any evidence for a reduced in vitro PBL response to several mitogens and a preparation of P. intermedia during pregnancy. J Periodontol 1991; 62:663–667.

Periodontal Health Status and Associated Factors: Findings of a Prenatal Oral Health Program in South Brazil

“…However, a comparison of these results to the present study must be considered with great caution due to methodological variability. Furthermore, considering the known effects of estrogen and progesterone on the periodontium during pregnancy [13, 17, 32–34], it is possible to assume that, at follow-up, women presenting with gingival bleeding in the first trimester would exhibit more extensive gingival tissue inflammation in the second and/or third trimesters of pregnancy.…”

“…Increased circulating levels of estrogen and progesterone are believed to affect the development of localized inflammation by stimulating prostaglandin production [13, 17] and affecting the immune response [18]. Alterations in the composition of the subgingival biofilm have been reported in the gestational period [19].…”

The Influence of General Health and Socio‐Cultural Variables on the Periodontal Condition of Pregnant Women

“…12,13 Moreover, the increase in progesterone levels causes loss in keratinization of gingival epithelium; proliferation of fibroblasts; chemotaxis; phagocytic capacity of the neutrophils; 11,13 and certain changes in subgingival flora (i.e., increase in Prevotella intermedia in the second trimester, although there is not clear agreement on this issue). 12,13 Moreover, the increase in progesterone levels causes loss in keratinization of gingival epithelium; proliferation of fibroblasts; chemotaxis; phagocytic capacity of the neutrophils; 11,13 and certain changes in subgingival flora (i.e., increase in Prevotella intermedia in the second trimester, although there is not clear agreement on this issue).…”

Gingival changes during pregnancy: III. Impact of clinical, microbiological, immunological and socio‐demographic factors on gingival inflammation

“…According to the immune-system theory, immuno-modulative changes developed for foetal tolerance would render periodontal tissues more prone to develop gingival inflammation during pregnancy (O'Neil 1979a, Lopatin et al 1980, Raber-Durlacher et al 1991. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine, has been suggested to be modulated by hormones, but this proposal is still controversial.…”