Journal of Dental Research, Vol 67, 1300-1306, Copyright © 1988 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals

ARTICLES

Differential modulation of adherence of oral streptococci by human neutrophil myeloperoxidase

K. T. Miyasaki, P. M. de Camargo and L. E. Wolinsky
Section of Periodontics, School of Denistry, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.

In this study, the modulation of adherence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-producing and non-H2O2-producing strains of oral streptococci by the host leukocyte enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) was examined. It was found that exposure to MPO decreased adherence of many strains of oral streptococci to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite beads in the presence of exogenous H2O2 and chloride. The MPO-H2O2-Cl-system increased the adherence of one strain. In the absence of exogenous H2O2, the MPO-H2O2-Cl-system decreased the adherence of H2O2-producing strains only. Glucose increased streptococcal H2O2 production and also increased the anti-adhesive activity of MPO in the absence of exogenous H2O2. We conclude that: (1) host leukocytes can modulate the adherence of oral streptococci via MPO; (2) endogenous production of H2O2 by the oral streptococci can provide sufficient substrate H2O2 to drive this system; and (3) MPO will exert differential modulatory effects on the adherence of oral streptococci, based in part upon the level of endogenous H2O2 production and in part upon the particular characteristics of the adhesins of the bacteria.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				K.T. Miyasaki Preferential Adsorption of Human Neutrophil Myeloperoxidase Isoform III by Oral Bacteria Journal of Dental Research, November 1, 1990; 69(11): 1780 - 1783. [Abstract] [PDF]