Mechanisms underlying FeCl3-induced arterial thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: The FeCl(3)-induced vascular injury model is widely used to study thrombogenesis in vivo, but the processes leading to vascular injury and thrombosis are poorly defined. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to better characterize the mechanisms of FeCl(3)-induced vascular injury and thrombus formation, in order to evaluate the pathophysiological relevance of this model. METHODS: FeCl(3) was applied at different concentrations (from 7.5% to 20%) and for different time periods (up to 5 min) to mouse carotid or mesenteric arteries. RESULTS: Under all the conditions tested, ultrastructural analysis revealed that FeCl(3) diffused through the vessel wall, resulting in endothelial cell denudation without exposure of the inner layers. Hence, only the basement membrane components were exposed to circulating blood cells and might have contributed to thrombus formation. Shortly after FeCl(3) application, numerous ferric ion-filled spherical bodies appeared on the endothelial cells. Interestingly, platelets could adhere to these spheres and form aggregates. Immunogold labeling revealed important amounts of tissue factor at their surface, suggesting that these spheres may play a role in thrombin generation. In vitro experiments indicated that FeCl(3) altered the ability of adhesive proteins, including collagen, fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor, to support platelet adhesion. Finally, real-time intravital microscopy showed no protection against thrombosis in GPVI-immunodepleted and ß(1)(-/-) mice, suggesting that GPVI and ß(1) integrins, known to be involved in initial platelet adhesion and activation, do not play a critical role in FeCl(3)-induced thrombus formation. CONCLUSION: This model should be used cautiously, in particular to study the earliest stage of thrombus formation.

Porphyromonas endodontalis binds, reduces and grows on human hemoglobin.

Porphyromonas endodontalis is a black-pigmented, obligate anaerobic rod-shaped bacterium implicated as playing a major role in endodontic infections. We have previously shown that P. endodontalis requires the porphyrin nucleus, preferably supplied as hemoglobin, as a growth supplement. The bacteria also actively transport free iron, although this activity does not support growth in the absence of a porphyrin source. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the binding and subsequent utilization of human hemoglobin by P. endodontalis. P. endodontalis binds hemoglobin and reduces the Fe(III) porphyrin, resulting in a steady accumulation of ferrous hemoglobin. Reduction of methemoglobin was similar to the extracellular reduction of nitrobluetetrazolium in the presence of oxidizable substrate. Turbidimetric and viable cell determinations showed that P. endodontalis grew when supplied only hemoglobin. Therefore, we conclude that hemoglobin appears to serve as a sole carbon and nitrogen source, and that these bacteria reduce extracellular compounds at the expense of oxidized substrates.

Growth stimulation of Porphyromonas endodontalis by hemoglobin and protoporphyrin IX.

Porphyromonas endodontalis, like other Porphyromonas species, has a complex set of nutritional requirements. In addition to being an obligate anaerobe, the bacterium must be grown in a complex medium consisting of amino acids, reducing agents and heme compounds. P. endodontalis accumulates high concentrations of heme pigments to the extent that colonies appear black on blood agar. This accumulation of heme and the need for these compounds has been characterized as iron requirements by these species. However, in our studies, P. endodontalis demonstrated growth dependence on hemoglobin or protoporphyrin IX but not on free iron. Iron added to other heme compounds actually decreased growth stimulation by porphyrin-containing compounds. P. endodontalis actively transported free iron, but this process did not appear to be critical for growth. The maximum stimulation of growth by protoporphyrin IX, under conditions of iron deprivation, suggests that P. endodontalis requires the porphyrin moiety as a growth factor.

Effect of red blood cells on the growth of Porphyromonas endodontalis and microbial community development.

Establishment of a microbial community in the root canal system depends on numerous factors, of which nutrient availability may be one of the most important. We hypothesized that the presence of red blood cells or hemoglobin in this environment could cause shifts in microbial composition of communities, resulting in organisms such as Porphyromonas endodontalis becoming more dominant. An in vitro model system using mixed, batch cultures was performed with the bacteria P. endodontalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus micros and Campylobacter rectus. Bacteria were cultured in media with or without the addition of washed red blood cells, hemoglobin, or serum. Cyclic growth studies revealed that P. endodontalis was lost from the community of organisms after three cycles. However, inclusion of red blood cells resulted in establishment of this organism. Moreover, red blood cells added to pure cultures of P. endodontalis substantially enhanced growth and protected the organisms from oxygen. We conclude that the presence of red blood cells could result in shifts of microbial communities of organisms within the root canal system.

Effect of rubber-dam retainers on porcelain fused to metal.

Metal ruber-dam retainers may damage tooth structure, restorations, and the porcelain surface of crowns. In this study, effects of metal versus plastic retainers on the surface of porcelain fused to metal (PFM) were compared, specifically: defects at point of beak contact, and porcelain fracturing. Evaluation was performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM); micrographs were examined for porcelain defects. No damage was evident with metal or plastic retainer placement. In conclusion, neither metal nor plastic retainers consistently damaged PFM surfaces.