GCF Flashcards
What is GCF
transudate of periodontal tissues
what are the constituents of GCF
plasma interstitial fluidity microbial dental plaque host inflammatory cells host tissues
what affects flow rate of GCF?
degree of gingival inflammation
effects of calcium in GCF
contributes to remineralisation of enamel surface
BUT
also contributes to formation of calculus in gingival sulcus
In healthy tissues, whats the flow rate of GCF?
low levels
0.05 - 0.2 μl/min
in healthy tissues, what causes GCF to be secreted?
disturbances of hydrostatic or colloid osmotic pressure , NOT INFLAMMATION
pressure sources such as mastication and tooth brushing can increase GCF flow too
only a small increase
in healthy tissues, the flow of GCF is dependant on :
passage of fluid from capillaries into the gingival tissues
removal of fluid by the lymphatic system of the gingival tissues
filtration coefficient of the junctional and sulcular epithelia
differences in osmotic / hydrostatic pressure of the interstitial fluid and sulcular fluid
describe production of GCF during inflammation
induced by higher presence of plaque
widening of spaces ( tight junctions ) in gingival epithelium
basement membrane breaks down
fluid flows over weakened basement membrane
increased fluid flow from capillaries to connective tissues - host response
greater hydrostatic pressure
leaky capillaries - due to inflammation
increased fluid in connective tissues
liquid forced through celks into gingival sulcus
exudate - as result of disease or damage to tissues
functions of GCF
protect tooth and gingival tissues
washes away harmful cells and molecules from gingival sulcus
contains antibacterial substances
high calcium & phosophate conc
+ve & -ve
serum derived proteins in GCF & their functions
serum albumin
contain many neutrophils and macrophages
produce ROS
important in neurralising damage caused by ROS - antioxidant
transport protein
immunoglobulins
maintain and remove factors produces by bacteria in gingival sulcus
fibrinogen
blood clot formation
protease inhibitors
reduced in disease situation
to maintain and restore health of tissue
components of bacterial origin in GCF
urea lactic acid hydrogen sulphide lipopolysaccharides - from cell wall bacterial enzymes
