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Updated: May 9, 2026
A Pleural Effusion Model in Rats by Intratracheal Instillation of Polyacrylate/Nanosilica
Published on: April 12, 2019
Polymethylmethacrylate dermal fillers: evaluation of the systemic toxicity in rats
C C G Medeiros1, R L Borghetti1, N Nicoletti2
1Division of Oral Medicine, PUCRS, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Abstract:
This study evaluated local and systemic reactions after an intravascular injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) at two concentrations in a murine model. Thirty rats were divided equally into three groups: 2% PMMA, 30% PMMA, and a control group (normal saline only injection). The filler was injected into the ranine vein. The rats were sedated at 7 and 90 days and a clinical evaluation performed. After euthanasia, the right lung, liver, and right kidney were removed, weighed, and microscopically analyzed. The submandibular lymph nodes and tongue were removed and examined microscopically. Serum was subjected to liver and kidney function tests. No groups showed clinical alterations. Microspheres were not observed at any distant organ. Two samples from the 2% PMMA group showed a local inflammatory response at day 7 and another two samples from the 30% PMMA group at day 90. The group injected with 30% PMMA presented higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.047) after 90 days when compared with the other groups. The data obtained in this study demonstrate that intravascular injections of PMMA fillers show potential health risks such as chronic inflammation at the implantation site.
Insights
Intravascular injections of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers may pose health risks. This study found potential for chronic inflammation at the injection site, particularly with higher concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Toxicology
- Preclinical Research
Background:
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is utilized in various medical applications.
- Understanding the local and systemic effects of intravascular PMMA injection is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate local and systemic reactions following intravascular injection of PMMA at different concentrations in a murine model.
- To assess potential health risks associated with PMMA fillers.
Main Methods:
- Thirty rats were divided into three groups: 2% PMMA, 30% PMMA, and saline control.
- PMMA was injected into the ranine vein, with evaluations at 7 and 90 days.
- Histopathological analysis of organs and lymph nodes, alongside serum biochemistry tests, was performed.
Main Results:
- No systemic alterations or microsphere migration to distant organs were observed.
- A local inflammatory response was noted in some samples from both 2% and 30% PMMA groups at different time points.
- The 30% PMMA group showed elevated alanine aminotransferase levels at 90 days, indicating potential liver impact.
Conclusions:
- Intravascular PMMA injections can lead to local inflammatory responses.
- Higher PMMA concentrations may be associated with transient liver function alterations.
- PMMA fillers carry potential health risks, including chronic inflammation at the implantation site.
