Superoxide formation and chemiluminescence of peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes in rapidly progressive periodontitis patients.

Previous studies have indicated that in certain types of chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases, polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) functions are impaired. In view of the damage oxygen free radicals may cause to the periodontal tissues, the present study focussed on superoxide (SO) formation and luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL) by peripheral PMN cells in rapidly progressive periodontitis patients (RPP). PMN cell preparations were stimulated by either opsonized bacteria or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). The results indicate that PMN cells from RPP patients, stimulated by opsonized bacteria, have significantly enhanced SO formation and LDCL response as compared to healthy subjects. The hyperactivity was cell-associated. In the presence of PMA, no significant differences were detected between the groups. The results suggest that PMN cells from RPP patients are functionally activated, and produce elevated levels of oxygen radicals. These oxygen radicals may play a role in the pathogenesis of RPP.