On the possible mechanism of cyanoacrylate histotoxicity

The loss of tissue fluid as a possible mechanism of cyanoacrylate histotoxicity was studied in vitro. There appears to be no statistical difference in the rates of fluid removal between methyl, isobutyl and N-octyl 2-cyanoacrylates, nor is there any correlation between fluid removed and the observed in vivo tissue damage. It is suggested that tissue fluids play a dual role in initiating polymerization and in polymer degradation; and that tissue damage depends upon the rate of polymer decomposition with the formation of toxic degradation products.