MAST CELLS IN PERIODONT PERIODONTAL DISEASE DISEASE

<p>Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that is largely attributable to infections with gram-negative bacteria and is characterised by both gingival inflammation and alveolar bone resorption. Beside macrophages, the second most common cells of the gingival inflammatory infiltrat are mast cells. Mast cells are heterogenous cell population which live from six months to one year. These cells are activated by differnt immunologic and non-immunologic signals. Activated mast cells can secrete a range of substances that regulate angiogenesis, tissue remodeling and wound healing, which include both degradation and synthesis of tissue components. Apart from that, mast cells have an important role in phagocytosis, antigen processing and presentation to T-cells. It is confirmed that gingival mast cells can express matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. This indicates that mast cells are likely to play an important role in inflammation and tissue degradation in periodontal diseases.</p>