Cytokine expression in macrophages stimulated with <i>P</i>. <i>gingivalis</i>.

<p>Macrophages were stimulated with medium, 1x10⁸ CFU/ml heat-inactivated <i>P</i>. <i>gingivalis</i> clinical isolates, <i>P</i>. <i>gingivalis</i> ATCC 33277 or <i>E</i>. <i>coli</i> ATCC 25922 (positive control) for 24 h, washed and then challenged with medium, 1x10⁸ CFU/ml <i>P</i>. <i>gingivalis</i> clinical isolates, <i>P</i>. <i>gingivalis</i> ATCC 33277 or <i>E</i>. <i>coli</i> ATCC 25922 for another 24 h. Expression levels of TNF-α (A), IL-1β (B) and IL-10 (C) in the cell-free supernatants were detected by ELISA. Data are presented as the mean±SD (n = 5 per group). *p<0.05.