Recently, abnormal immune response of the cellular type has been considered responsible for oral lesions in Recurrent Aphthous Ulceration (RAU). For reasons not yet defined, antigens of the oral microbiota trigger abnormal immune responses of the Th1 type against epithelial cells. In contrast, studies have demonstrated that thermal shock proteins (HSP) can activate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and control the magnitude of the immune response. HSP27 has been considered as a powerful inducer of IL10, a major inhibitor of Th1 response. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to analyze the immune expression of proteins HSP27 and IL10 in ulcerated oral lesion samples clinically diagnosed as RAU (n = 27), and to compare it with that of clinically normal oral mucosa (n = 6) and other inflammatory chronic diseases: inflammatory epithelial hyperplasia (n = 18), Crohn's disease (n = 10), and ulcerative colitis (n = 9). Methods: An imunohistochemistry technique was used, with monoclonal antibody anti-HSP 27 and anti-IL-10. Results: A down-expression of HSP27 in RAU and Crohn's disease samples was observed when compared mainly with clinically normal mucosa and inflammatory epithelial hyperplasia (p < 0.001**; p = 0.013**). A down-expression of IL-10 in RAU samples was observed when compared with inflammatory epithelial hyperplasia, ulcerative colitis, clinically normal mucosa, and Crohn's disease (p < 0.001**; p < 0.001**; p < 0.001**; p = 0.034*). Conclusion: Analysis of the data suggests that a lesser expression of HSP27 and IL10 in RAU might be related to the etiopathogenesis of ulcerated oral lesions.

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