Journal of Dental Research, Vol 70, 997-1001, Copyright © 1991 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Effects of calcium-phosphate-based materials on proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity of newborn rat periosteal cells in vitro
A. Teti, A. Tarquilio, M. Grano, S. Colucci, A. Laforgia, F. Mangini and A. Zambonin Zallone
Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Bari, Italy.
The effects of dental materials, intended for bone substitution, on cell
growth and alkaline phosphatase activity of newborn rat periosteal cells
have been studied in vitro. Confluent periosteal cells were exposed to
three apatite-based materials (400 micrograms/mL) with different
physico-chemical properties. The materials were a beta-tricalcium phosphate
with a microporous granular structure obtained by sinterization
(Synthograft, Johnson & Johnson, East Windsor, NY), a 40-60-mesh
microporous durapatite ceramic (Periograf, Sterling Drug, Inc., Rensselaer,
NY), and a 1-2-mm-diameter hydroxyapatite ceramic (Osprovit, Feldmuhle
Aktiengeselschaft, Plochingen, Germany) with macropores larger than 100
microns. Cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity were assessed
by incorporation of 3H-thymidine into trichloroacetic-acid-precipitable
material and by a fluorimetric method, respectively. Cell viability and
compatibility with the materials were determined by morphology in
phase-contrast microscopy. Periosteal cells showed increased proliferation
following exposure to Synthograft, but were unaffected by Osprovit, whereas
Periograf caused significantly reduced cell growth. Alkaline phosphatase
activity was unaffected by Osprovit, but was decreased by both Synthograft
and Periograf. The results indicated a differential response of periosteal
cells to bone-substituting materials with heterogeneous physico-chemical
characteristics.
