Methods: ApoEnull mice (N=24) were orally infected (8 infections, 4 days/week consecutively) with Pg FDC 381, at 109 cells mixed with 4% carboxymethylcellulose. P. gingivalis infected mice were euthanized at 12 and 24 weeks. Oral plaque samples (PCR), serum antibody response (ELISA), gingival inflammation (Histology, histometry), horizontal alveolar bone resorption (morphometry), and intrabony defects were evaluated (Periodontal disease parameters). Heart, aorta, spleen, liver, lungs, and kidney were evaluated for systemic infection by PCR and aorta was examined for atherosclerotic lesion.
Results: P. gingivalis genomic DNA was detected in oral plaque samples by PCR indicating their colonization in oral cavity. Infection elicited significantly higher levels of IgG antibodies and greater intrabony defects compared to sham-infected mice. P. gingivalis genomic DNA was detected in aorta and heart at 83 and 25%, respectively in infected mice. P. gingivalis specific genomic DNA, aortic plaque, histology and detection of bacteria by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are in progress.
Conclusions: This study examined the effect of P. gingivalis induced bacteremia, systemic infection, localization of bacteria, and atherosclerosis in vivo in ApoEnull mice.
Keywords: ApoE-/- mice, Cardiovascular disease, Host-microbial interactions, Periodontal disease and Periodontal organisms
See more of: Periodontal Research - Pathogenesis