EFFECT OF POLYETHYLENE PARTICLES ON HUMAN OSTEOBLASTIC CELL-GROWTH

In this study, we have analyzed the direct effect of ultrahigh molecul ar weight polyethylene (polyethylene) on the osteoblastic cell growth in primary cultures. The cells were cultured from human bone samples o btained during reconstructive joint surgery. When cell cultures reache d confluence (4-6 weeks) they were separated into three subcultures. O ne subculture was without particle addition (plain culture). In the ot her two subcultures, polyethylene or alumina was added. Two different sizes of particles were used, < 80 and < 160 mu m. The subcultures wer e incubated until confluence. Proliferation of each subculture was mea sured by cell counts after 3, 6, 9 and 13 days, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Polyethylene particles of < 160 mu m indu ced a decrease in growth, whereas alumina of the same size did not. Po lyethylene and alumina particles of < 80 mu m induced an inhibition in the osteoblastic cell growth; < 80 mu m polyethylene induced a higher inhibition than alumina of the same particle size. In conclusion, we have observed a direct effect of polyethylene on osteoblastic cell gro wth. This study shows that polyethylene may decrease the growth rate o f human osteoblastic cells in primary cultures. Smaller particles prod uce a more marked reduction. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.