EFFECT IN-VITRO OF TIFELL (FORMOCRESOL-EUGENOL) ON MACROPHAGE ADHESION

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect in vitro on ma crophage adhesion of Tifell (formocresol-eugenol), used as an intracan al medicament and in therapeutic pulpotomies in primary teeth, Macroph ages were obtained from Wistar rats. As a test of macrophage phagocyti c function the adherence capacity of macrophages to a plastic surface was determined. Assays were carried out in Eppendorf tubes after 15 mi n of incubation at 37 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% carbo n dioxide. The adherence index (AI) was calculated. Results showed tha t Tifell decreased significantly (P < 0.05) the AI of macrophages. Hal f maximal inhibition of Al was obtained at 1:334.5 Tifell dilution (AI = 27.75; P < 0.05), Taking into account that substrate adherence is t he first step in the phagocytic action of macrophages and in antigen p resentation, Tifell could inhibit macrophage function and modulate imm une and inflammatory responses in dental pulp and periapical tissues.