Viability of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts in tissue culture after exposure to different contact lens solutions.

Aim: The viability of the periodontal ligament (PDL) cells is critical for successful healing of replanted avulsed teeth. Viability is primarily dependent on the duration of the extra-alveolar time and storage medium used to preserve teeth. Several storage media have been suggested but milk ranks highest. It would be desirable to evaluate other media as a suitable alternative for milk. The purpose of this study was to determine the viability of human PDL fibroblasts and their morphology after storage in different types of contact lens solutions.

Methods And Materials: PDL fibroblasts were cultured from a healthy extracted impacted human tooth and exposed to Bausch and Lomb (Renu), Ciba Vision (Titmus), and Alcon (Opti-free) contact lens solutions. Eagle's minimal essential medium served as control. The experiment was performed in plastic tissue culture clusters containing 24 wells. The PDL fibroblasts were grown in each well for three days. On the day of the experiment the culture medium was decanted, the cells were washed with phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS), and 1 ml of the tested solution was placed in each culture well. All tissue culture clusters were incubated at 37 degrees C in 5% CO2 and 95% air for one, four, and 24 hrs. At the end of the incubation period, the cells were fixed and prepared for scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination.

Results: The results indicated Renu and Opti-free solutions were superior to Titmus solution in terms of their capacity to maintain the viability and normal morphology of PDL fibroblasts.

Conclusion: Contact lens solution is a good storage medium to maintain the viability of PDL fibroblasts for a short-term period.