Biocompatibility of a calcium hydroxide-propolis experimental paste in rat subcutaneous tissue

Intracanal medications are fundamental for disinfection of the root canal system and participate in periapical repair, so their biocompatibility is of utmost importance to avoid tissue damage. This study evaluated the biocompatibility of a experimental paste of calcium hydroxide and propolis in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. The study was conducted on 15 male Wistar rats. Two incisions were made on the dorsal region of each animal for introduction of 4 tubes: one tube was empty; one contained zinc oxide-eugenol cement, and the two other tubes were filled with experimental paste. After 7, 14 and 30 days, the animals were euthanized and the specimens were subjected to histotechnical preparation. The hematoxylin and eosin-stained histological sections were analyzed by light microscopy. Scores were established according to the inflammatory process and statistically compared by the Tukey test (α = 5%). The analysis of histological sections showed non-significant or mild inflammatory reaction in the connective tissue in contact with the empty tubes in all study periods while the contact of subcutaneous tissue with zinc oxide-eugenol elicited moderate or severe inflammation similarly without significant difference among the study periods. The connective tissue was moderately inflamed at 7 days when contacting the experimental paste, but the inflammatory process was non-significant or mild at 14 and 30 days. The experimental paste was biocompatible with the tissues after 14 days of subcutaneous implantation.