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  • Title: Bacterial internalization in periodontitis.
    Author: Vitkov L, Krautgartner WD, Hannig M.
    Journal: Oral Microbiol Immunol; 2005 Oct; 20(5):317-21. PubMed ID: 16101968.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Bacterial invasion of host epithelial cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis; however, the exact mechanism of the invasion has not been investigated. METHODS: Pocket epithelium biopsies in periodontitis were analysed via scanning and transmission electron microscopy using ultra-histochemical staining with ruthenium red for glycocalyx visualization. RESULTS: We demonstrated that oral bacteria adhered via fimbriae-mediated adhesion only. The bacterial internalization in periodontitis was marked by the hallmark of the fimbriae-induced zipper mechanism--the phagocytic cup formation--but we found no sign of the trigger mechanism of internalization. In addition, we frequently observed apoptosis in the phagocytizing epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: Fimbriae-mediated adhesion is a prerequisite for bacterial invasion in periodontitis. This occurs by the fimbriae-induced zipper mechanism of internalization. As internalization induces apoptosis, the subsequent exfoliation might play a significant role in the clearance of periodontal pathogens.
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