A case report of unusual anatomical variation: externalisation of inferior alveolar nerve.

Introduction: The risks of third molar surgery have been well documented with damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) being one of the largest concerns.

Presentation Of Case: This case report presents an impacted third molar with associated dentigerous cyst in which the IAN is externalised and runs along the lateral surface of the mandible.

Discussion: This is an extremely rare anatomical variation with most IANs lying inferior and lingually to third molars.

Interaction of adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide with the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis.

The nature of the interaction between Porphyromonas gingivalis and the multifunctional peptides adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was investigated. Growth of P. gingivalis was not inhibited in the presence of either of these peptides [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)>250 microg mL(-1)].

Mechanisms of adrenomedullin antimicrobial action.

The mechanism of antimicrobial action of the multifunctional peptide adrenomedullin (AM) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated. AM (52 residues) and AM fragments (1-12, 1-21, 13-52, 16-21, 16-52, 22-52, 26-52 and 34-52 residues) were tested for activity. Carboxy-terminal fragments were shown to be up to 250-fold more active than the parent molecule.