The gingival plasma cell infiltrate in renal transplant patients on an immunosuppressive regimen

Treatment with immunosuppressive agents inhibits gingival inflammation and progression of periodontitis in humans. We examined the numbers and the isotype distribution of immunoglobulin-producing plasma cells by immunohistochemistry in gingival specimens taken from renal transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive agents (IS), and from otherwise comparable systemically healthy patients. The immunosuppressed patient group had significantly (P < 0.05) fewer IgG-, IgA-, IgG1-, IgG2-, and IgG4- producing plasma cells in the connective tissue adjacent to the pocket epithelium. The reduced numbers of such patients with quiescent periodontal disease support the contention that high counts of plasma cells are indicative of more severe disease.