Use of hyaluronic acid binding protein for detection of hyaluronan in ligature-induced periodontitis tissue.

This study was designed to demonstrate, by use of biotin-labeled hyaluronic acid binding protein (HABP) and an avidin-enzyme system, the localization of hyaluronan (HA) in periodontal tissue of beagle dogs during experimentally induced periodontitis. Experimental periodontitis was induced in the dogs by ligation of the gingival sulcus. Experimental tissue was collected at 0, 3, 7 and 21 days after ligation. HA was revealed by strong staining in the intercellular space around epithelial cells and periodontal ligament, and by light staining in the gingival connective tissue. According to the progression of periodontal tissue breakdown, HA was detected in a small number of leukocytes and monocytes, on the surface of osteoclasts, the surface of alveolar bone, thickened endothelium and in epithelial cells related to rete peg formation. Streptomyces hyaluronidase-treated specimens gave negative staining. This study suggests that HA may be associated with the inflammatory reaction in experimental periodontitis tissue.