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Objective:  Inflammatory and immune reactions raised in response to periodontopathogens are thought to trigger periodontal tissue destruction. We therefore investigated the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the osteoclastogenic factor RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand), their respective inhibitors TIMPs (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases) and OPG (osteoprotegerin) and their possible correlation with the expression of inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in the course of experimental periodontal disease in mice.

Methods:  We characterized the time course of leukocyte migration and alveolar bone loss in C57BL/6 mice infected with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RealTime PCR) and ELISA were performed to determine the expression of MMPs, TIMPs, RANKL, OPG and cathepsin K, interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor …