[Clinical immunological characteristics of the pathogenesis of catarrhal gingivitis (Communication 1)].

In order to evaluate the relationship between cellular and humoral immunity, washings from the gingival sulcus were analyzed in 15 patients with catarrhal gingivitis and 15 subjects with intact periodontium aged 19-22 years. The results indicate a close relationship between local immunity and humoral and cellular defense factors. It seems that decreased IgA level, complement component, and increased activities of C-reactive protein and antistreptolysin-O are the key factors in the development of chronic gingivitis. Permanent bacterial aggression leads to dysfunction of phagocytic and epithelial cells.