Interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor antagonists inhibit the progression of inflammatory cell infiltration toward alveolar bone in experimental periodontitis

PERIODONTAL DISEASE IS A SIGNIFICANT cause of tooth loss in humans and is o ne of the most prevalent diseases associated with bone loss. Following bact erial colonization, the gingiva becomes inflamed and, in some cases, progre sses to destruction of alveolar bone. To investigate the temporal movement of inflammatory cells toward alveolar bone and the role of interleukin-1 (I L-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in this process, studies were carried out in a Macaca fascicularis primate model of experimental periodontitis. I L-1 and TNF activity was inhibited by local application of soluble receptor s to IL-1 and TNF by injection into interdental papillae. The results indic ate that following induction of experimental periodontitis, the front of in flammatory cells progresses toward alveolar bone and is associated with ost eoclast formation. These processes are inhibited by blockers to IL-1 and TN F. These studies suggest that the conversion from gingivitis to periodontit is is directly associated with the movement of an inflammatory infiltrate t oward alveolar bone, and that this activity is at least partially dependent upon IL-1 and/or TNF.