Abstract
Cytokine responses of gingival fibroblasts from healthy and inflamed tissues upon exposure to P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are of interest. Samples were obtained from 20 individuals undergoing periodontal procedures. Inflamed fibroblasts showed elevated secretion of IL-6, MCP-1, IL-8, and GRO. P. gingivalis LPS induced a stronger cytokine response than controls. Thus, inflamed fibroblasts can mount a secondary inflammatory response to periodontal pathogens.