Effects of polymethylmethacrylate exposure upon macrophages

The effects of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) exposure upon macrophage viability and function were studied in an attempt to determine what role these cells play in the loosening of cemented arthroplasties. P388D1 murine macrophage cell line was exposed to PMMA and polystyrene particles of similar size and concentration. DNA synthesis following exposure to PMMA or polystyrene was studied by [3H]thymidine incorporation. Macrophage function was studied by analyzing the ability of activated macrophages to kill mast cell targets following particle exposure. Our results demonstrate that exposure of macrophages to PMMA particles in vitro inhibits DNA synthesis and impairs their cytotoxic ability. Histologic examination revealed that macrophages phagocytose both PMMA and styrene particles, but the former eventually lyse these cells. Our studies suggest that the histologic appearance of macrophages and foreign body giant cells at the bone-cement interface may be secondary to a repetitive cycle of PMMA particle phagocytosis and cell death, similar to that found in a foreign body granulomatous response.