The response of dental pulp-derived cells to zoledronate depends on the experimental model.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether zoledronate (ZOL) can cause a cytotoxic response in dental pulp-derived cells (DPCs) in vitro.


METHODS
Cell activity was assessed utilizing MTT tests, (3) [H]thymidine, and (3) [H]leucine incorporation assays in human DPCs in response to ZOL. Cell activity assays were also preformed on calcium phosphate-coated plates. Cell death was analysed with annexin V/propidium iodide, trypan blue staining and Western blot analysis.


RESULTS
Micromolar concentrations of ZOL were required to decrease the activity of DPCs. The decreased activity of DPCs was associated with the occurrence of apoptosis and necrosis. No adverse effects were observed when DPCs were cultured on calcium phosphate-coated plates with ZOL.


CONCLUSIONS
High concentrations of soluble ZOL were required to cause adverse effects in vitro. These adverse effects are abolished when the bisphosphonate was bound to a mineralized surface. However, the clinical relevance of these results remains to be determined.
Cvikl
B
B
Department of Conservative Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Agis
H
H
Stögerer
K
K
Moritz
A
A
Watzek
G
G
Gruber
R
R
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D016923:Cell Death; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid; C020243:calcium phosphate