The effect of pH on the cytotoxicity of eluates from denture base resins

This in vitro study examined the effects of environmental pH on elution of potentially toxic substances from heat-, light-, and dual- (chemical plus light) polymerized denture base resins. Eluates were prepared by daily transfer of disks to fresh buffers at pH 4.0, 5.0, and 6.8 over a 5-day period. Oral epithelial cells were plated in culture dishes in medium containing the eluate. After 24 hours, cellular RNA synthesis was assessed by measuring tritiated uridine uptake. Effects of materials were compared to identical cultures that contained the appropriate buffer without the eluate. The results indicate that the cytotoxic components leach out of the denture base resins in different amounts and at different rates, and the amount of leaching can be affected by pH.