Methacrylate monomers lower the level of reduced glutathione and increase the in vitro sensitivity of cells to optical radiation.

Induction of cell death by optical radiation in the wavelength range 350-500 nm was significantly increased by commonly used methacrylate monomers, not mediated by absorption of radiation by the methacrylate monomers, but through a mechanism involving rapid reduction in the level of glutathione (GSH).