Direct effects of acryl bone cement monomer on isolated heart muscle

Experiments were carried out in isolated dog heart muscle to determine the direct effect of acryl bone cement monomer on the myocardial contractility. The monomer caused a dose-dependent decrease in the maximum velocity of shortening (Vmax) and the maximum force development (Fm), consequently resulting in a leftward shift of the force-velocity relation curves. There was also a concomitant decrease in work, power, the maximum rate of force development (max dF/dt) and time to peak force (TPF) from the onset of force development. These results indicate that acryl bone cement monomer exerts a direct negative inotropic effect on the myocardium and that the myocardial depression due to free monomer absorbed from the mixed bone cement into the systemic circulation during operation seems to be one of the major causes of the cardiovascular complications associated with the clinical application of bone cement.