The effect of levamisole on gingival inflammation in man.

The effects of levamisole on gingival inflammation and on cell-mediated immunity were examined in patients with gingivitis and in subjects with clinically healthy gingiva. Treatment with levamisole promoted the development of gingivitis and aggravated the severity of established gingivitis, although the amount of bacterial plaque at the gingival margin was not significantly increased. This effect was short-lasting, as the gingival indices returned almost to base-line values by the end of the fifth month after treatment with levamisole. The development of gingivitis was associated with increased in vitro lymphocyte stimulation by antigens from oral bacteria. The role of cell-mediated immunity in the pathogenesis of gingival inflammation is discussed.