Th1-type immune responses to Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens exacerbate angiotensin II-dependent hypertension and vascular dysfunction

Background and Purpose Emerging evidence indicates that hypertension is mediated by immune mechanisms. We hypothesized that exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens, commonly encountered in periodontal disease, can enhance immune activation in hypertension and exacerbate the elevation in BP, vascular inflammation and vascular dysfunction. Experimental Approach Th1 immune responses were elicited through immunizations using P. gingivalis lysate antigens (10 mu g) conjugated with aluminium oxide (50 mu g) and IL-12 (1 mu g). The hypertension and vascular endothelial dysfunction evoked by subpressor doses of angiotensin II (0.25 mg center dot kg(-1)center dot day(-1)) were studied, and vascular inflammation was quantified by flow cytometry and real-time PCR. Key Results Systemic T-cell activation, a characteristic of hypertension, was exacerbated by P. gingivalis antigen stimulation. This translated into increased aortic vascular inflammation with enhanced leukocyte, in particular, T-cell and macrophage infiltration. The expression of the Th1 cytokines, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, and the transcription factor, TBX21, was increased in aortas of P. gingivalis/IL-12/aluminium oxide-immunized mice, while IL-4 and TGF-beta were unchanged. These immune changes in mice with induced T-helper-type 1 immune responses were associated with an enhanced elevation of BP and endothelial dysfunction compared with control mice in response to 2 week infusion of a subpressor dose of angiotensin II. Conclusions and Implications These results support the concept that Th1 immune responses induced by bacterial antigens such as P. gingivalis can increase sensitivity to subpressor pro-hypertensive insults such as low-dose angiotensin II, thus providing a mechanistic link between chronic infection, such as periodontitis, and hypertension. Linked Articles This article is part of a themed section on Immune Targets in Hypertension. To view the other articles in this section visit