Effect of soluble extracts from periodontal dressings on human granulocytic leukocytes in vitro.

Purified populations of human polymorphonuclear granulocytic leukocytes were exposed in vitro to solubilized material(s) extracted from two commerical periodontal dressings. The composiitonof one dressing contained eugenol while that of the other lacked it. Extracts were prepared by placing each mixed dressing in isotonic saline for 18 to 24 hours. Granulocytic leukocytes received serial dilutions of each extract and were then evaluated at 15 minutes and at 3 hours of culture for changes in viability and elaboration of cyto-plasmic and lysosomal enzymes. High concentrations of extract from each dressing were toxic to the cultured granulocytes. Measurements for cell viability and release of cytoplasmic enzyme revealed that the toxic potential in the eugenol-free dressing was greater. With cell damage, extracellular release of the lysosomal enzymes was found to occur. Serially increased dilutions of either extract to nontoxic concentrations failed to selectively release lysosomal enzymes.