TITANIUM-INDUCED ENZYME ACTIVATION ON MURINE PERITONEAL-MACROPHAGES IN PRIMARY CULTURE

The biological performance of titanium (Ti) particles has been investi gated in vitro on murine peritoneal macrophages in a primary culture s ystem. The ultrastructural study revealed an unchanged morphology with respect to controls and the presence of numerous phagocytic vacuoles containing Ti particles as confirmed by X-ray microprobe analyses. The activities of beta-glucuronidase, acid phosphatase, lactate dehydroge nase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were determined. All of the enzymes were found to be activated after different exposure times to various Ti concentrations. These activations are qualified as the cons equence of cell defence rather than a significant cytotoxic effect. Ne vertheless, they indicate a possible inflammatory action of short dura tion. This investigation provides new arguments for the high biologica l performance of Ti.