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Published on: February 6, 2020
Possible migration and histopathological analysis of injections of polymethylmethacrylate in wistar rats
Rodrigo d'Eça Neves1, Marcello Alberton Herdt, Felipe Barbieri Wohlgemuth
1Department of Surgery, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Abstract:
Objective. To evaluate the possible migration of polymethylmethacrylate after injections in various corporal compartments of Wistar rats. Methods. The experimental work consisted in the injection of PMMA in corporal compartments for later histopathological analysis of the locations of implants and of distant filtering organs. The dose applied in each implant was of 0.2 mL. The animals were divided into groups according to the location of the implant realized: group GB had intradermic injections in the glabella. Group SD had subdermal injections in dorsal subcutaneous tissue cells. Group IP had intraperitoneal injections in the abdomen. Group PD had intramuscular injections in the right rear leg. The rats were sacrificed 30 days after realization of the implants and tissue samples from the lung, liver, spleen, and kidney, and locations of implantation were removed for histopathological analysis. Results. Characteristic microspheres that were compatible with the presence of PMMA in any of the histological slides analyzed were not observed. One animal had an amorphous exogenous substance, with a histiocytic reaction. Twelve of the 16 lungs analyzed had locations of intraalveolar hemorrhaging. Two animals had nonspecific spleen alterations. Conclusion. The histopathological analysis of this study found no PMMA microspheres in any of the tissues analyzed.
Insights
This study found no evidence of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres migrating to distant organs after injections in Wistar rats. Histopathological analysis of tissues did not detect PMMA in any location.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Histopathology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is used in various medical applications.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential migration of PMMA microspheres after injection.
- Understanding PMMA distribution is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential migration of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) after injection into different body compartments in Wistar rats.
- To assess the presence of PMMA microspheres in implant sites and distant organs.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats received 0.2 mL injections of PMMA in intradermal, subdermal, intraperitoneal, or intramuscular locations.
- Animals were sacrificed after 30 days.
- Histopathological analysis was performed on tissue samples from implant sites, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys.
Main Results:
- No characteristic PMMA microspheres were identified in any analyzed histological slides.
- One animal showed an amorphous exogenous substance with a histiocytic reaction.
- Hemorrhaging was observed in the lungs of 12 out of 16 rats, and two rats had nonspecific spleen alterations.
Conclusions:
- Histopathological analysis did not detect PMMA microspheres in the analyzed tissues.
- The study did not provide evidence for PMMA microsphere migration from injection sites to distant organs in Wistar rats within the study period.

