Effect of some endodontic materials on the influx of macrophages and multinucleated giant cell development in experimental granulomas

Abstract

Calcium hydroxide, AH-26, and zinc oxide-eugenol greatly influenced the influx rate of mononuclear phagocytes and the fusion potential of these cells in coverslip granulomas. Zinc oxide-eugenol reduced the fusion index and the proportion of multinucleated giant cells in the short- and long-term implant periods. This along with the greater rate influx of mononuclear macrophages suggests that this material was highly cytotoxic for macrophages. Calcium hydroxide did not greatly influence the fusion process and the rate of entry of mononuclear phagocytes. This indicates that calcium hydroxide developed a low toxic effect on macrophages. AH-26 increased the influx rate of mononuclear phagocytes during the 4-, 8-, and 12-day implant periods. In the 24-, 30-, and 40-day periods the proportion of mononuclear macrophages decreased, and in the 30- and 40-day periods the values remained between the above mentioned materials. Fusion index and the proportion of giant cells was also depressed during the long-term implant period, suggesting that AH-26 should be considered mild to moderate in toxicity to the macrophage system.