Inflammatory Response and Epithelial Defense

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the fluid component in the inflammatory response?

To dissolve bacteria and remove them from the body

To deliver immune cells and dilute bacterial toxins (correct)

To prevent further infection by sealing off the wound

To provide nutrients to the injured tissue

Which type of cell is primarily responsible for clearing bacteria during the cellular response?

Macrophages

Mast cells

Neutrophils (correct)

Lymphocytes

How does the epithelium function as a barrier to prevent infection?

By releasing digestive enzymes to break down pathogens

By producing antibodies to neutralize bacteria

By acting as a physical barrier and releasing antimicrobial peptides (correct)

By stimulating the inflammatory response to fight off infection

Which of the following situations can compromise the protective function of the epithelium?

Damage caused by toxins (B) Signup and view all the answers

During an inflammatory response, what is the primary function of the fluid component?

To deliver immune cells and dilute bacterial toxins (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type plays a significant role in phagocytosis of bacteria during the cellular response to inflammation?

Neutrophils (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the epithelium contribute to the body's defense against infection?

By acting as a physical barrier and releasing antimicrobial peptides (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major factor that can compromise the protective function of the epithelium?

Damage caused by toxins (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells play a crucial role in the initiation of the inflammatory response within the gingival tissues by secreting cytokines and Tumor Necrosis Factor?

Keratinocytes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific term for tissue macrophages that are actively involved in releasing host defense mechanisms?

Langerhans cells (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of saliva in maintaining oral health?

Saliva serves as a lubricant, antibacterial agent, and aids in clearing bacteria from the oral cavity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The adaptive immune response, also known as the acquired or specific immune response, is activated when which of the following occurs?

The innate immune system fails to effectively eliminate pathogens and infection becomes established. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which the adaptive immune response recognizes and targets specific pathogens?

Recognizing the pathogen's distinctive antigens. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the major function of immunological memory in the adaptive immune response?

Providing a rapid and robust response to previously encountered pathogens. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The humoral immune response is characterized by the production of which type of molecules?

Antibodies. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes cell-mediated immunity, one of the main mechanisms of the adaptive immune response?

A response that primarily involves the activation of cytotoxic T cells. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of Epithelial Langerhans' cells in the humoral immune response?

Present antigenic parts from pathogens to lymphocytes, stimulating clonal expansion. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cell types is responsible for producing antibodies in the humoral immune response?

B lymphocytes (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of antibodies IgG and IgA in the humoral immune response?

Neutralizing pathogens and blocking their adhesion (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of antibodies in the humoral immune response?

Directly killing infected cells (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do antibodies produced in the humoral immune response contribute to the destruction of bacteria?

By working with complement to lyse bacteria (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do antibodies assist neutrophils in the humoral immune response?

By marking bacteria for opsonization and phagocytosis by neutrophils (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the role of T-cell receptors in the cell-mediated immune response?

They activate cytotoxic T cells to directly kill infected cells (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses?

Humoral involves antibodies, cell-mediated uses T cells and does not involve antibodies (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis suggests that periodontal disease development is driven by a shift in the types of bacteria present, rather than the overall quantity of bacteria?

Specific Plaque Hypothesis (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant weakness of the Non-specific Plaque Hypothesis?

It does not account for the diverse pathogenic potential of different bacterial species. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The Keystone Pathogen-Host Response Hypothesis proposes that certain bacteria, referred to as keystone pathogens, disrupt the host immune system. What is the primary consequence of this disruption?

It leads to an imbalance in the composition of the bacterial community (dysbiosis). (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criticism or limitation of the Specific Plaque Hypothesis?

It fails to consider the potential involvement of Gram-positive bacteria in periodontal disease. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the major difference between the Specific Plaque Hypothesis and the Keystone Pathogen-Host Response Hypothesis?

The Specific Plaque Hypothesis emphasizes the role of specific bacteria, while the Keystone Pathogen-Host Response Hypothesis highlights the impact of these bacteria on the host immune response. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis is supported by the observation that certain bacterial species, such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), can be found in the periodontal pockets of individuals with periodontal disease?

Both B and C (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome, as proposed by the Keystone Pathogen-Host Response Hypothesis, when specific bacteria disrupt the host immune system?

An increase in the host's inflammatory response, leading to tissue destruction. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following observations supports the Non-specific Plaque Hypothesis?

The correlation between the amount of plaque and the severity of periodontal disease. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily found in the intra-cellular matrix of dental plaque biofilm?

Polysaccharides, proteins and lipids (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the correct order of the four stages of dental plaque biofilm formation?

Initial attachment, initial colonization, secondary colonization, maturation (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the gingival epithelium faces the oral cavity?

Oral Epithelium (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a tissue of the periodontium?

Enamel (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacteria predominantly inhabit the subgingival environment?

Anaerobic bacteria (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a virulence factor of Porphyromonas gingivalis?

Produces proteases that degrade host tissue (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate immune response triggered by plaque accumulation?

Innate immune response (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which component is essential in the inflammatory immune response?

Saliva (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of periodontitis?

A severe gum infection that can damage soft tissues and destroy supporting bone. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes plaque biofilm?

A structured community of bacterial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role do matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play in the host response during periodontal disease?

They promote inflammation and tissue destruction. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which immune response is characterized as innate in the oral cavity's defense against periodontal disease?

The immediate response involving physical barriers and inflammatory mediators. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which types of bacteria are primarily associated with the pathogenesis of periodontal disease?

Bacteroides, Porphyromonas, and Treponema. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the irreversible destruction seen in periodontitis?

The host-mediated inflammatory response against plaque biofilm. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is not considered fundamental in the initiation of periodontitis?

Regular tooth brushing. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of cytokines in the host response to periodontal disease?

To mediate inflammation and cellular communication. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pathogenesis of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection that damages soft tissues and supporting bone around teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss and systemic health risks.
This workbook is for self-directed study, integrating resources for deeper understanding.
Key learning outcomes include defining periodontitis, understanding plaque biofilm role, reviewing periodontium tissues, listing periodontal disease-associated bacteria and their virulence factors, outlining host defenses, and explaining cytokine, prostaglandin, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) functions.

Periodontal Tissues

Gingiva: The gum tissue surrounding the teeth.
Periodontal ligament: Connects the tooth to the bone.
Cementum: Covers the root surface of the tooth.
Alveolar bone: Bony socket that holds the tooth.

Plaque Biofilm Composition

Intra-cellular matrix: Organic components (polysaccharides, proteins, lipids).
Extracellular matrix: Contains glycoproteins, inorganic components (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium).

Plaque Biofilm Formation

Initial attachment to pellicle.
Initial colonization of the tooth surface.
Secondary colonization: Extracellular slime layer formation.
Maturation of bacterial colonies.

Bacteria in Periodontal Disease

Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola are commonly associated.
These bacteria utilize virulence factors such as proteases, toxins, and adherence factors to induce tissue damage and evade host defenses.

Host Defenses

Body's immune system responses to fight bacteria.
Innate immunity: Early response includes saliva, epithelium, neutrophils, and macrophages.
Acquired immunity: Acquired response includes B-cell lymphocytes, antibodies (IgG and IgA), and T-cells.