Vascular response of current and potential dental etchants

This study investigated the hemostatic properties of current and potential dentin conditioners by observing the contraction of blood vessels using the rat carotid artery model. Four different agents (3M Scotchbond etchant, NRC, RC-Prep, File-Eze) were used. Dose-dependent contractions/relaxations of the test materials were first compared with epinephrine, followed by administration of papaverine, which was used to reverse epinephrine-induced contractions. In all sequences, the contraction or relaxation forces produced by the test and control materials were recorded using a force displacement transducer. RC-Prep was the only agent to produce epinephrine-like contractions (vasoconstriction) in the rat carotid artery. No contraction could be achieved with 3M etchant. Dose-dependent relaxations were observed with 3M etchant, which eventually led to collapse of the vessel wall; afterward, no response could be achieved with administration of adrenalin. File-Eze and NRC also did not cause vasoconstriction. Both materials caused dose-dependent relaxations in the smooth muscle. However, subsequent administration of adrenalin and papaverine caused dose-dependent contractions and relaxations, respectively, showing that these etchant effects did not lead to collapse of the vessel wall, as did 3M etchant.