[Comparative study on cytotoxicity of main components of three luting cements in vitro (author's transl)]

In order to elucidate cytotoxicity of main components of glass ionomer, polycarboxylate and zinc phosphate cements, cell culture method was utilized. Criteria of cellular responses were made on the basis of cell growth and changes in cell morphology. The results obtained were as follows: 1. SiO2, AlF3, Al2O3, Ca3(PO4)2 and NaAlF6 of powder components in glass ionomer cement did not yield any unfavourable effects on either cell growth nor morphology. On the other hand, AlPO4 yielded moderate cytotoxic reaction and CaF2 marked reaction. 2. ZnO and MgO of powder components in polycarboxylate and zinc phosphate cements yielded marked cytotoxic reaction. Moreover, CaO of zinc phosphate cement brought very marked cytotoxic reaction. On the other hand, SiO2 and Bi2O3 did not yield any unfavourable effects on either cell growth nor morphology. 3. All the liquids of three cements brought cytotoxic reaction ranging from marked to very marked levels. The present results seemed to reveal that mild cytotoxic reaction of glass ionomer cement, which had been reported, was due to inclusion of less cytotoxic components compared to polycarboxylate or zinc phosphate cements. It was also discussed the relationship between biocompatibility of the cements and dissolution of the components. It is considered that the present results could shed a light on biocompatibility of dental cements.