Comparison of Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles of initial wound healing of rats induced by PDCM and e‐PTFE

Abstract Because periodontal regeneration is vital in the modern treatment of periodontal defects, artificial membranes have become a key component for predictable outcomes. Herein a new ranking system to analyze the expression of different cytokines around regenerative membranes is introduced. Porcine dermal collagen membranes (PDCMs) and GORE‐TEX® (e‐PTFE) membranes were used for implantation in a Sprague Dawley rat model. Tissue samples were harvested at three time intervals (7, 10, and 14 days); then an immunohistochemical ranking process was conducted to determine the intensity of the selected Th1/Th2 cytokines [Th1: interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and interferone‐γ (IFN‐γ); Th2: IL‐4, IL‐10, and IL‐13]. The results show that the intensities of IL‐2 cytokine in PDCM groups were slightly higher than those of e‐PTFE groups but without statistical significance. The level of interferon‐γ in PDCM groups was lower than that of e‐PTFE groups, but also without significant differences. However, expressions of Th2 cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐10, and IL‐13) induced by e‐PTFE were generally higher than those of PDCM and control groups at all times (Mann‐Whitney U test, p < 0.05). In a comparison of the mean ratio of IL‐2/IL‐4 with the use of the Mann‐Whitney U test, data for the PDCM group were generally higher than those of the e‐PTFE group, with statistical significance at all time intervals (p < 0.05). A descending order of the intensity ratio of IL‐2/IL‐4 was PDCM groups > control groups > e‐PTFE groups. These findings indicate that the cytokine profiles of PDCM, in connection with the GTR technique, demonstrate a higher trend toward Th1‐dominated responses and may protect against periodontal tissue destruction, as compared to the Th2‐dominated responses of e‐PTFE. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 68B: 75–80, 2004