Experimental tooth pain elevates substance P and matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels in human gingival crevice fluid.

Objective: Tooth pain can induce a neurogenic inflammatory reaction in gingiva in association with local elevations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, which is considered the major tissue destructive protease in gingival crevice fluid (GCF). The pro-inflammatory neuropeptides released by sensory nerves coordinate the activities of the immuno-effector cells and may influence the secretion of MMP-8. With this background, we studied whether experimental tooth pain can trigger changes in GCF levels of the neuropeptide substance P (SP) and MMP-8.

Material And Methods: The GCF SP levels of stimulated and non-stimulated teeth were analyzed for SP using a competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The GCF MMP-8 levels were determined by quantitative immunofluorometric assay (IFMA).

Results: Painful stimulation of the upper central incisor caused significant elevations in GCF SP and MMP-8 levels of the stimulated tooth. At the same time, the GCF SP and MMP-8 levels of non-stimulated control teeth were unchanged.

Conclusions: These data indicate that experimental tooth pain can induce local elevations of SP and MMP-8 levels in GCF simultaneously. This supports the possibility of a local neurogenic spread of inflammatory reactions from intrapulpal to surrounding periodontal tissues.