Morphological changes of rabbit skin by application of dentin primer

The side effects of dentin primer applications on soft tissue were examined pathologically. Of the 4 experimental dentin primers tested, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEM) and glutaraldehyde (GLU) caused irritation to the skin of rabbits whereas hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and glyceryl methacrylate (GM) caused only insignificant changes in the substrate. It was concluded that an aqueous solution of GM can be used clinically because of its low irritation to skin and high bonding efficacy, as previously reported, though possible irritation to pulp tissues should perhaps still be investigated. The mechanisms of irritation to operator fingertips caused by repeated direct contact with dentin primers containing HEMA remain unknown.