Histocytological evaluation of the reaction of rat pulp tissue to Carisolv

Objectives. Carisolv is a viscous substance for the chemo-mechanical remova l of caries. The aim of this study was to examine the tissue reactions of p ulp and dentin tissue to Carisolv in vivo. Methods: In 48 caries-free molars (24 Wistar rats, age: 3 months) an occlus al cavity was prepared, The roofs of the pulp chambers were perforated with a sharp probe and Carisolv solution was placed onto the exposed pulp of 24 molars for 1, 10 and 20 min. Twenty-four contralateral molars served as co ntrols and were coated with an inert liquid containing isotonic saline solu tion, carmellose and erythrosin. Results After a contact period of 10 and 20 min in the experimental group, pulpal destruction of intercellular substance and cells including odontobla sts was observed up to a depth of 150 mum, in addition to the mechanical da mage by perforation (e.g. dentin particles). The pulpal and predentin fibri ls as well as the dentin fibrils appeared to be intact and did not differ f rom the controls. After a contact time of 1 min a weaker damage of pulp cel ls and odontoblasts, as well as intact fibrils in pulp, predentin and denti n could be observed. Conclusions: Radicals of Carisolv (OH- and OCl-) cause alkaline hydrolysis of cellular components bur do not decompose collagenous tissue components. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.