[Neuropathy of the gingival autonomous nerve system in inflammatory diseases of the periodontium. Ultrastructural analysis].

In a comparative study the influence of periodontal disease on the autonomous nerve-system of human attached gingiva was analysed ultrastructurally in 20 gingiva specimens. The test group was formed by 10 patients with adult periodontitis (AP) and compared with 10 patients with clinically healthy gingiva. The specimens were prepared for ultrastructural evaluation. The autonomous nerve fibres near the epithelium, in the connective tissue, and at the blood vessels were qualified and quantified by means of electron microscopy. In the test group clear signs of neuropathy of the autonomous nerve system like lysis of axoplasm, evagination of axons from their Schwann's sheaths, de- and regeneration pistons and reduction of axons were found. The possible pathogenic significance of this neuropathy of the autonomous nerve system in periodontal disease is discussed.