An investigation of fibroblast mitochondria enzyme activity and respiration in response to metallic ions released from dental alloys

Most cellular functions evaluated for biocompatibility are high-energy proc esses such as proliferation and therefore are not usually affected before a decrease in energy production is observed. Several studies have shown that metabolic functions are altered at much lower concentrations than several normally used biocompatibility tests such as viability. Therefore, the purp ose of this study was to provide an in-depth evaluation of metallic ion eff ects on mitochondria function and thereby biocompatibility. These studies e valuated the mitochondrial function of human gingival fibroblasts exposed t o the salt solutions of ions released from nickel-based dental alloys, part icularly beryllium (Be2+), chromium (Cr6+ and Cr3+) nickel(Ni2+), and molyb denum (Mo6+). Mitochondrial function was examined by NADH:CoQ reductase act ivity, succinate dehydrogenase activity, and oxygen consumption. (C) 2000 J ohn Wiley & Sons, Inc.