[Relationship between elastase activity and leukocyte counts in gingival crevicular fluid].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship among the elastase(EA) activity in the supernatant (EA-s), and in the pellet (EA-p) after centrifuge, and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) counts in gingival crevicular fluid.

METHODS

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was sampled with filter paper strips by intra-pocket method to determine EA levels and then with gingival crevicular washings after 24 hours at the same site for PMN counting. The levels of EA-s and EA-p were determined seperately using the subtract Meosuc-ala-ala-val-pro-NA. PMNs at the same site were counted with light microscope.

RESULTS

The research demonstrated significantly positive correlation among EA-s and EA-p per site and the PMN counts in GCF (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

GCF-EA-p per site could reflect the amount of PMNs collected from the pockets, and EA can be the marker of PMN in GCF.