Nitric oxide synthesis is decreased in periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES

In order to study the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) in the development of periodontitis, we measured the concentration of its stable metabolite nitrite (NO2-) in the saliva of patients with periodontitis and healthy subjects.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We have analysed salivary NO2- concentrations in 25 subjects with rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP), 25 with adult periodontitis (AP) and in 25 periodontally-healthy persons. The concentrations of NO2- were determined by the Griess reaction in microtitration plates. Periodontal tissue destruction was determined by measuring the attachment level loss using standard methods.

RESULTS

Subjects with periodontitis had significantly less NO2- in saliva than healthy subjects. Subjects with RPP had lower NO2- concentrations than those with AP Parotid gland saliva contained less NO2- than sublingual gland or total saliva.

CONCLUSIONS

Local NO production is decreased in patients with periodontitis. This effect is more pronounced in those with severe types of disease.