Cyclic nucleotide content in gingival tissue of smokers and non‐smokers

The total amount of cAMP and cGMP was determined in gingival tissue of smokers and non‐smokers. The mean gingival tissue content from 56 patients was 1.80 pmol cAMP/mg protein and 0.56 pmol cGMP/mg protein. There was no significant difference in nucleotide levels as between smokers and non‐smokers. Heavy smokers (> 15 cig/day, x̄= 19.7). however, were found to have significantly elevated nucleotide levels as compared to moderate smokers (≤ 15 cig/day, x̄= 6.8). Smokers also had a significantly lower gingival exudate flow as compared to non‐smokers. These findings suggest that tobacco smoking may change the cellular metabolism in human gingival tissue.