Phagocytic Activity of Salivary Neutrophils in Recurrent Aphthous Ulcer

Abstract

Objectives: Recurrent Aphthous Ulceration (RAU) is an inflammatory condition of unknown etiology characterized by painful, recurrent, single or multiple ulceration of oral mucosa.  The etiology has not been completely understood, although, many local and systemic predisposing factors are known.  Patients with RAU show increased Antibody Dependent Cell Mediated Cytotoxicity in the early stage of disease.  Concentration of neutrophils at the periphery of the ulcer suggests the contribution of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of the ulcer.  Hence, we aimed to compare the Phagocytic function of salivary PMN in patients with active RAU and during remission phase.

Method: Saline rinse was collected from patients suffering with RAU during ulcerative stage and during remission stage.  Neutrophils were isolated from this and tested for their phagocytic function and ingestion capacity.

Result and Conclusion: Reduced neutrophils phagocytic function was seen in patients with ulcerative lesion when compared to remission phase.  This suggests that neutrophils have an active role in pathogenesis and / or healing of RAU.