Proliferation of human fibroblasts in vitro after exposure to orbital implants

Abstract

Background: Porous orbital implants allow fibrovascular ingrowth and integration with the extraocular muscles. The available implants have different structural characteristics, which may influence orbital response. We studied the proliferation of orbital fibroblasts in vitro after exposure to four different orbital implants.Methods: Four orbital implant biomaterials were studied: hydroxyapatite (Bio-Eye), synthetic hydroxyapatite, porous polyethylene (Medpor) (pore sizes 150 pm and 400 pm) and aluminium oxide (Bioceramic implant). Human fibroblasts obtained from orbital fat at the time of elective blepharoplasty were cultured and then exposed to the individual implants. Cell growth was assessed with immunocytochemical analysis using bromodeoxyuridine, a thymidine analogue. After DNA denaturation, the cells were washed, incubated with secondary antibody and visualized.Results: The fibroblasts growing on the Bio-Eye, synthetic hydroxyapatite, and 150-pm and 400-pm Medpor implants all had debris associated with them. The Bioceramic implant was free of this debris. The Bioceramic implant and the 150-pm Medpor implant had the greatest number of fibroblasts on the coverslips.Interpretation: The proliferation of fibroblasts, as determined by visualization of actively dividing cells with bromodeoxyuridine, differed on the various implants studied. The lack of debris associated with the Bioceramic implant may be related to the crystalline structure of the implant.