Figure 1. Effects of topical gingival application of PAR₂ agonist peptide (SLIGRL-NH₂) control peptide (LRGILS-NH₂), or saline, on radiographic alveolar bone loss (mm) (A) and granulocyte infiltration (B), at 3, 7, 15, and 30 days after treatment began. *Significant difference (P < 0.05) compared with saline group at the same time period (ANOVA). N = 8 animals/group/period; data expressed as means ± SEM. Representative digital radiograph of the mandibular area 30 days after daily treatment with control peptide LRGILS-NH₂ (C) or PAR₂-activating peptide SLIGRL-NH₂ (D), showing preservation (C) or resorption (D) of bone crest at the mesial surface of the first molar and in the furcation area. In C and D, the upper lines represent the cemento-enamel junction, and the bottom lines represent the alveolar bone crest. The distance between these two reference points represents the alveolar bone loss at the mesial surface of the first mandibular molar.