TOXIC EFFECTS OF METHYLMETHACRYLATE MONOMER ON LEUKOCYTES AND ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS IN-VITRO

The influence of methylmethacrylate monomer (MMA) on the cellular integrity of monocytes, granulocytes and endothelial cells in vitro was investigated. Clinically relevant blood concentrations of MMA (i.e., 5-10 mug/mL) were clearly cytotoxic to all cell types studied, as evidenced by the release of lactic dehydrogenase (LD) and Cr-51, and increased uptake of trypan blue (vital staining). Scanning electron microscopic examination of cells treated with 10 mug/mL MMA showed marked signs of cytotoxicity after 1 min incubation, and after 30 min the majority of the cells were totally disintegrated. These findings may have clinical bearing on intraoperative cardiorespiratory dysfunction and deep vein thrombosis in MMA-fixed joint replacement surgery.