Detection of interleukin-8 in exudates from normal and inflamed human dental pulp tissues.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of IL-8 in exudates clinically obtained from normal and inflamed human dental pulp tissues so as to reveal the possible relationship between IL-8 and pulpitis.

METHODS

Samples of 2 microliters of pulpal exudate from each normal or clinically diagnosed as acute or chronic pulpitis teeth was obtained by filter paper strips and IL-8 level was measured by ELISA method.

RESULTS

No IL-8 was detected in the samples from normal pulp, but significant amount of IL-8 appeared in inflamed pulp tissues, and the level of IL-8 in exudates of acute stage of pulpitis was higher than that of chronic stage (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that IL-8 is produced and accumulated in pulp inflammation and may play a role in the occurrence and development of human pulpitis.