Immunolocalization of interleukin 4, interleukin 6, and lymphotoxin α in dental granulomas

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the immunolocalization of the interleukin (IL) 4, IL-6, and lymphotoxin (LT) alpha in dental granulomas and correlate their expression with the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate. Study design. Fifteen paraffin specimens of dental granulomas were selected, and the streptavidin-biotin complex stain was used to detect IL-4, IL-6, and LT-alpha. Results. Our results revealed a significant statistical correlation between the intensity of inflammatory infiltrate and the percentage of mononuclear cells positive for IL-4. Moreover, we observed a statistically significant correlation between the frequency of cells expressing IL-6 and LT-alpha. Conclusion. These data suggest that the predominance of a helper T cell subtype 2 response in dental granulomas is correlated with the exacerbation of the inflammatory reaction and its evolution. Moreover, a correlation between the frequency of IL-6-positive and LT-alpha-positive cells suggests that the synergistic activities of these 2 cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of this inflammatory condition.