Host neuro- immuno-endocrine responses in periodontal disease.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory complex disease caused by microorganisms. It may be influenced by diverse systemic disorders, environmental, genetic and socio-psychological factors with the ability to alter the balance of the host neuro-immunoendocrine responses. It is characterized by the progressive destruction of the tooth supporting apparatus leading to tooth loss, with possible impact on general health.

Anti-inflammatory effect of the endocannabinoid anandamide in experimental periodontitis and stress in the rat.

Objective: Periodontitis is an infectious disease leading to inflammation and destruction of tissue surrounding and supporting the tooth. The progress of the inflammatory response depends on the host's immune system and risk factors such as stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) in experimental periodontitis with restraint stress, since the endocannabinoid system is known to modulate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis as well as immune functions and has been found in human gingival tissues.