Effects of experimental gingivitis on crevicular PGE2 in a split mouth trial.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to analyse the effects of experimental gingivitis on crevicular prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). An increase of PGE(2) was expected.

METHODS

Fourteen medical students refrained for 28 days from any oral hygiene procedures in two antagonistic quadrants while they maintained close to perfect oral hygiene in the remaining quadrants. Crevicular fluid samples were taken at baseline and at days 7, 14, 21 and 28 of experimental gingivitis both from quadrants with and without oral hygiene. PGE(2)-concentrations (ng/ml) and absolute levels (pg/sample) were analysed for quadrants with and without oral hygiene.

RESULTS

Comparison of quadrants with and without oral hygiene by repeated measures anova revealed no effects of experimental gingivitis both on crevicular PGE(2)-concentrations and absolute levels.

CONCLUSION

The study does not support the notion that experimental gingivitis induces an increase of crevicular PGE(2). The data are discussed in the context of other studies on PGE(2) concentrations in gingivitis. Close inspection of these studies reveals no clear evidence for an increase of local PGE(2) in gingivitis.