Effects of metallic ion toxicity on human gingival fibroblasts morphology

Alloys used as implant materials release metal ions to surrounding tissues. Cytotoxic substances attack at the molecular level, and these effects are reflected in the structure of the cells and organelles. The objective of th is study was to evaluate the cellular morphology and ultrastructural change s of cultured human gingival fibroblasts to salt solutions of ions (berylli um (Be+2), chromium (Cr+6 and Cr+3), nickel (Ni+2), molybdenum (Mo+6)) whic h may be released from nickel-chromium dental alloys. The concentrations ch osen were based on previously conducted cell culture studies. Fibroblasts w ere exposed to the different ion concentrations for 24 or 72 h. Cellular mo rphology and ultrastructural features were examined using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Ultrastructural alteratio ns observed included irregular shaped nuclei for cells exposed to hexavalen t chromium and nickel, pseudopodia for cells exposed to beryllium and molyb denum, and lipid droplet formation in cells exposed to nickel. (C) 1999 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.