Function of blood monocytes among patients with orofacial infections.

Few data are available on the significance of the integrity of the innate immune system among patients with orofacial infections. This was assessed in the present study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 23 patients with orofacial infections before surgical debridement and from 12 healthy volunteers. PBMCs were stimulated with bacterial endotoxin (LPS) and with Pam3Cys. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) were estimated in supernatants by an enzyme immunoassay. Concentrations of estimated cytokines released from PBMCs of healthy volunteers and of patients did not differ. Intensity of cytokine release after stimulation was related with the time until complete resolution of the infection (p: 0.046). It is concluded that adequate functions of blood monocytes are associated with favorable outcome after surgery for orofacial abscesses. It seems, however, that impairment of monocyte function predisposes to infection persistence.