CELLULAR-RESPONSE TO MINERAL TRIOXIDE AGGREGATE

This investigation studied the cytomorphology of osteoblasts in the pr esence of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and examined cytokine produ ction. MTA and Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM) were prepared a nd placed in separate Petri dishes. Osteoblasts (cell-line MG-63), gro wn to confluence in Hams F12/Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, were seeded into the dishes, which were incubated for 1 to 7 days. The spec imens were viewed by scanning electron microscopy. For cytokine evalua tion, cells were grown either alone or in other dishes containing the test materials for 1 to 144 h. Media were removed for ELISA analysis o f interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and macrophage colony-sti mulating factor. Scanning electron microscopy revealed healthy cells i n contact with MTA at 1 and 3 days; in contrast, cells in the presence of IRM appeared rounded. The ELISA assays revealed raised levels of a ll ILs at all periods when cells were grown in the presence of MTA; in contrast, cells grown alone or with IRM produced undetectable amounts . The macrophage colony-stimulating factor was produced by cells irres pective of the group. It seems that MTA offers a biologically active s ubstrate for bone cells and stimulates IL production.