Atherosclerosis, Russell Ross and the passion of science
Article Abstract:
The research of Russell Ross is described. Ross was a dentist and doctor of experimental pathology. He believed that atherosclerosis was caused by an excessive inflammatory response to injury and excessive healing of the injury. When this happens inside blood vessels, it causes atherosclerosis. Ross's hypothesis stated that when the cells lining the inside of the blood vessel are injured, blood platelets arrive and secrete platelet-derived growth factor. This in turn stimulates smooth muscle cells. The cells produce extracellular matrices, which become part of the fatty streak. Ross died in March, 1999 at the age of 69.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1999
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Protecting the mouth against microbial infections
Article Abstract:
Progress is being made in developing oral vaccines against several bacteria that cause oral infections. The bacterium Streptococcus mutans is responsible for dental cavities and a vaccine has been developed that can reduce colonization of the mouth by this bacterium. The organisms that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease are difficult to grow in culture and vaccine research in this case is moving more slowly. The mucosa that line the mouth produce IgA antibodies, which is the body's first line of defense against pathogenic organisms.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1998
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