Cytotoxicity of some solutions used for root canal treatment assessed with human fibroblasts and lymphoblasts

The cytotoxicity of seven solutions used in root canal therapy was tested in human fibroblast and lymphoblast cultures. The amount of cell damage was assessed by measuring the release of 51Cr from labeled cells into the medium. The solutions, when applied at therapeutic concentrations, displayed high toxicity in vitro and differences in cytotoxicity were seen between different solutions. Generally, lymphoblasts were found to be more sensitive than fibroblasts. The cytotoxic profiles of the two cell types resembled each other except when 5% sodium hypochlorite or 0.2% Hibitane was used. When the criterion of total cell lysis was 50% 51Cr release, the toxic concentrations of the solutions tested ranged between 1:25 and 1:900 (v/v) for fibroblasts. For lymphoblasts the corresponding concentration range was between 1:40 and 1:750. Despite technical simplicity and good reproducibility the 51Cr release method proved unreliable for testing the cytotoxicity of endodontic solutions. Because the methodological errors cannot be foreseen the 51Cr release method requires supporting evidence from other methods.