Invasion of bacteria in enamel carious lesions.

A review of recent findings concerning enamel carious lesions is presented. This lesion represents the initial phase of dental caries and is characterized by a demineralization of the subsurface enamel caused by acids of the plaque bacteria. Streptococcus mutans has been described as the etiologic agent of the dental caries and the most acidogenic plaque bacteria.

Mechanisms of HIV-associated immunosuppression.

HIV antigens were identified in PBL obtained from HIV-positive patients, using IF and IEM. Studies of the phenotype of HIV-containing lymphocytes showed that OKT4+ cells were the principal target of the virus. Approximately 5% of infected cells were multinucleated.

Immunoglobulins in human dental caries.

The penetration and complement fixation of sIgA, IgM and IgG were studied in advanced human dental caries with double-staining immunofluorescence technique. Immunoglobulins were found in dental plaque and in the superficial layers of the lesions which were exposed to saliva. sIgA was the most frequent, followed by IgG and IgM.

Identification of bacteria in association with immune components in human carious dentin.

Actinomyces viscosus, A. naselundii, Streptococcus mutans serotype "c" and S. mutans serotype "d/g" were identified in human carious dentin using histological and immunofluorescent techniques.

Magnetic response in cultures of Streptococcus mutans ATCC-27607.

Streptococcus mutans ATCC-27607 produces exopolysaccharides that adhere to glass. In the normal geomagnetic field about 50% more polysaccharide adhere preferentially to glass surfaces facing North as compared to South facing surfaces. Reversal of the direction of the magnetic field by 180 degrees produces a similar reversal in the direction of the preferential accumulation.

Experimental pulpal Arthus allergy.

Rabbits sensitized systemically to ovalbumin displayed skin reactions of the Arthur type and high titers of circulating antibodies. Their incisor pulp was removed at intervals after local challenge with 0.001 ml of 1 percent ovalbumin.

Rodent incisor pulp, isolation and sectioning.

Experimental technics are described for a quick isolation of the dental incisor pulp in rodents, and for the wrapping of the pulp in a sheet of guinea pig muscle as a prerequisit for cryostat sectioning.

Allergies of the dental pulp.

A review of publications relating to the allergies of the dental pulp is presented. The pulp--especially when inflamed--contains antigens, lymphocytes, plasmocytes, IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE antibodies, mast cells, histamine, and possibly C3. However, no antibody-mediated allergy (hypersensitivity) of the pulp has yet been demonstrated.

[Allergies and dental pulp (author's transl)].

A review of the articles dealing with allergy in the dental pulp is oppered. The dental pulp--furthermore when inflamed--showes antigens, lymphocyetes and plasmocytes, antibodies (IgG, IgA and IgE), mast-cells, histamine and possibly C3. However an hypersensitivity or allergy of immediate type elicited by circulating antibodies has never been demonstrated.

[Induction of autoallergic pulpitis in rabbit (author's transl)].

Six male rabbits were injected on days 0, 6 and 12, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally and subcutaneously with 0.5 ml/kg of a 20% suspension of homologous dental pulp, in complete Freund's adjuvant. Six controls received complete Freund's adjuvant only.

[Experimental allergic pulpitis in rabbits].

Ten male, albino rabbits, weighing about 2,5 kg, were sensitized with 0.05% of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) in complete Freund's adjuvant. Ten controls received the complete Freund's adjuvant only.