What Is Gingival Crevicular Fluid?

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) refers to the fluid that penetrates from the gingival connective tissue into the sulcus through the sulcus epithelium and combined epithelium. Healthy gums have a very small amount of gingival crevicular fluid, and the tissue fluid penetrates into the gingival crevilla due to the penetration gradient in the tissue. The research results of many scholars show that gingival crevicular fluid is not a pure exudate. Because gingival crevicular fluid usually contains inflammatory cells, other chemical components are not exactly the same as interstitial fluid; the outflow of gingival crevicular fluid is directly proportional to the degree of inflammation at the site.

Gingival crevicular fluid

Right!

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) refers to the fluid that penetrates from the gingival connective tissue into the sulcus through the sulcus epithelium and combined epithelium. Healthy gums have a very small amount of gingival crevicular fluid, and the tissue fluid penetrates into the gingival crevilla due to the penetration gradient in the tissue. The research results of many scholars show that gingival crevicular fluid is not a pure exudate. Because gingival crevicular fluid usually contains inflammatory cells, other chemical components are not exactly the same as interstitial fluid; the outflow of gingival crevicular fluid is directly proportional to the degree of inflammation at the site.

Western Medicine Name

The liquid components of gingival crevicular fluid are mainly derived from serum, and other components are derived from serum, adjacent periodontal tissue (epithelial, connective tissue) and bacteria. The content includes components of the complement-antibody system, various electrolytes, proteins, glucose, enzymes, etc. It also contains white blood cells (mainly neutrophils that migrate through the gingival sulcus epithelium), exfoliated epithelial cells, etc. microorganism. Gingival crevicular fluid contains a variety of enzymes, of which aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, collagenase, etc. have a certain relationship with the severity of periodontal disease and active period.

1) flush foreign matter in the gingival sulcus through GCF flow;

2) Contains plasma proteins that can promote epithelial adhesion to the tooth surface;

3) Have specific antibodies against microorganisms;

4) In the gum defense mechanism, its complement system can promote the activation of antibodies;

5) Can provide rich nutritional ingredients of subgingival bacteria;

6) Provide tartar mineralization;

7) White blood cells are important defense cells in gingival crevicular fluid;

8) Gingival crevicular fluid contains a variety of enzymes, of which aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, collagenase, etc. have a certain relationship with the severity of periodontal disease and active period, etc. Inhibitors, can inhibit various neutral proteases produced by PMN, etc .;

9) Certain drugs that enter the body from the systemic route, such as antibiotics, can also enter the gingival crevicular fluid and reach high and long-lasting concentrations, so they can be used for periodontal treatment.

Increased sulcus fluid volume is one of the main manifestations of gingivitis in the early stages, often earlier than changes in clinical manifestations. When the gum inflammation is obvious, the gingival crevicular fluid increases significantly. There are many factors that affect the amount of gingival crevicular fluid. In addition to inflammation, the amount of gingival crevicular fluid can also increase due to mechanical and chemical stimulation. Sex hormones can affect capillary permeability, and the amount of gingival crevicular fluid can increase during ovulation, pregnancy or when taking hormonal contraceptives. If bacteria or other particulate matter enters the sulcus. After several minutes, the gingival crevicular fluid was cleared. The cleaning effect of gingival crevicular fluid is an important way of local defense mechanism.

Immune globulin in gingival crevicular fluid is related to oral defense and has the function of resisting specific pathogenic bacteria. Among them, IgG levels were higher than IgA and IgM. Specific antibodies can prevent the invasion of bacteria by preventing bacteria from attaching, regulating phagocytosis and killing bacteria.

Inflammatory mediators in the gingival crevicular fluid increase in level during inflammation, such as IL-1. IL-1 is the main mediator of inflammatory response. It is produced by various cells when tissues are stimulated or damaged by microorganisms and bacterial toxins. Patients with chronic periodontitis had higher levels of IL-I in their teeth than those with healthy ones.

White blood cells are important defense cells in gingival crevicular fluid. Most white blood cells in the gingival crevicular fluid are active and have the ability to phagocytose and kill bacteria. Although substances that are harmful to periodontal tissue are also released during the bactericidal process of leukocytes, they are generally limited and repaired due to the rapid update of periodontal tissue. Therefore, these white blood cells constitute a main line of defense against exogenous plaque entering the gingival sulcus. ^[1]