Is toll-like receptor 4 expression in trigeminal neurons increased during ligature-induced periodontitis in rats?
TLR4 is predominantly, but not exclusively, expressed in smaller trigeminal nociceptive neurons in the rat. Experimental periodontitis upregulates TLR4 expression in the trigeminal neurons. The hypothesis that bacterial byproducts regulate the pathogenesis of periodontitis by activation of trigeminal nociceptors through TLR4 should be explored.
UDCA induces biliary secretion of GSNO, which contributes to stimulating ductal secretion.