Inflammatory reactions in the gingival region during the development of bacterial plaque in alloxan-diabetic dogs

The effect of experimentally induced diabetes on inflammatory reactions in the gingival region of the beagle dog has been studied in connection with the development of dental plaque. The investigation, which was undertaken in 5 dogs, had an intra‐individual design, the increases in the amounts of gingival exudate and crevicular leukocytes during plaque development being studied in each animal before and after the induction of alloxan‐diabetes. The increases in gingival exudate and crevicular leukocytes in response to plaque accumulation showed a tendency to be lower during diabetic compared with non‐diabetic periods. It is suggested that the lower vascular reaction and the reduced leukocyte migration that were observed shortly after onset of the experimental diabetes might reflect an impaired defense mechanism of importance in the longer run for the development of pathological changes in the periodontium.