[Comparative studies on the cytotoxic effect of composite filling materials and silicate cement]

The biologic compatibility of two composite materials (Cosmic, Epstic) based on Bowen's resin and two silicate cements (Frontasil, Silicap) and theirs components were assessed in cell culture. The compounds eluated from the material specimens under physiological conditions affected monolayer cultures of rat fibroblasts and rat epithelial cells (linr RL-19). Silicate cement eluate brings about death of cells due to high concentration of H-ions. Neutralized eluate of freshly prepared Cosmic, Estic and Frontasil caused the same cell damage which was less pronounced following Silicap eluate. The toxicity was markedly reduced following use of an eluate material which had a setting time of 24 hours. After the 2nd and 3rd elution of same specimen the cytoxicity was noticeably weakened, however, it was still demonstrable. The patterns of injury were different following composite material and silicate cement. All tested components soluted in Eagle medium have an irritating effect on the cultivated cells.