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Presence of multinucleated giant cells around machined, sandblasted and plasma-sprayed titanium implants: a
A Piattelli1, A Scarano, M Corigliano
1Dental School, University of Chieti, Italy.
Abstract:
A histological and histochemical evaluation was conducted in rabbit to study the presence of multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) at the interface with machined, sandblasted and plasma-sprayed titanium implants. No MGCs were observed, at any of the experimental times, around machined and sandblasted titanium surfaces. MGCs were, on the contrary, present at the interface with titanium plasma-sprayed implants at two weeks and at two months. At two weeks these cells were numerous, and in some areas, particularly around the spires, tended to line almost all the implant perimeter surface. MGCs were present in large numbers where bone was present at the interface, while, on the contrary, where there was no newly formed bone, they tended to be fewer in number and smaller in diameter. At four and eight weeks these cells tended to decrease in number. The histochemical staining for acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) showed that MGCs were negative to ACP, while many ALP-positive osteoblasts, actively secreting osteoid matrix, were in close and tight contact with the MGCs. In no case was an inflammatory infiltrate present in connection with the MGCs. The precise nature of MGCs is still not clear, but our histological and histochemical results could point to a priming effect on the activity of the osteoblasts in a similar way to the supposed role of the osteoclasts.
Insights
Multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) were found around plasma-sprayed titanium implants but not machined or sandblasted surfaces in rabbits. These MGCs were associated with osteoblasts, suggesting a role in bone formation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Histology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Titanium implants are widely used in orthopedics and dentistry.
- The host response to implant surfaces influences osseointegration.
- Multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) are involved in foreign body reactions and bone remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of MGCs at the interface of different titanium implant surface topographies.
- To evaluate the relationship between MGCs and osteoblasts in the context of osseointegration.
Main Methods:
- Histological and histochemical analysis of rabbit implants with machined, sandblasted, and plasma-sprayed titanium surfaces.
- Evaluation at multiple time points (two weeks, two months, four weeks, eight weeks).
- Staining for acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to assess cellular activity.
Main Results:
- MGCs were absent around machined and sandblasted surfaces.
- MGCs were present around plasma-sprayed surfaces, particularly at two weeks, often near bone formation.
- MGCs were negative for ACP but in close contact with ALP-positive osteoblasts.
- No inflammatory infiltrate was observed around MGCs.
Conclusions:
- The presence of MGCs is surface-dependent, favoring plasma-sprayed titanium.
- MGCs may play a role in modulating osteoblast activity, potentially priming them for bone matrix secretion.
- The findings suggest MGCs might have a function related to osteoclasts in bone remodeling and osseointegration.