In vitro response of human fibroblasts to commercially pure titanium

The generation of metal particles through surface wear of prosthetic joints has been associated with biological reactions that may lead to prosthetic component loosening. The role of the macrophage in these reactions has been studied extensively, but that of the fibroblast has not. The few fibroblast studies that there have been have shown that particles of several metals, with sizes over a wide range, can promote cytokine release and may cause cell necrosis. The intent of this study was to determine if there are metal particle exposure threshold levels that result in morphological changes and cell necrosis of fibroblasts in peri-articular tissues. Retrieved human fibroblasts (superior medial plica) were cultured in standard fashion and then were exposed to various particle dosages of commercially pure Titanium (cpTi). Cell morphological changes and necrosis were observed to occur when the total mass of the particle dosage exceeded a threshold level. These data imply that these cell responses occur at threshold levels of wear particle exposure.