Endotoxin-inactivating potency of hydrogen peroxide: effect on cell growth

An in vitro system was used to study the detoxifying potential of H2O2 on bacterial endotoxin. L929 fibroblasts were exposed to H2O2-treated and -untreated endotoxin. Growth and viability assays were made at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The cultures exposed to H2O2-treated endotoxin showed a normal growth rate, whereas the cultures exposed to untreated endotoxin displayed a substantial reduction in growth. Implications are presented as to the potential role of H2O2 in the pathogenesis and treatment of periodontal disease.