Biocompatibility and pro-mineralization effect of tristrontium aluminate cement for endodontic use.

Background/purpose: Tristrontium aluminate (SA) is a hydraulic cement with setting behavior similar to that of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). This study examined the biological effects of SA on mouse dental papilla cells (MDPs) and on rat exposed pulps .

Materials And Methods: Extracts of SA and MTA were prepared by immersing each cement in ultrapure water. MDPs were cultured with SA or MTA extracts, and cell proliferation was evaluated with a tetrazolium-salt assay. Attachment of MDPs on the set cements was examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). mRNA expression of bone morphogenic protein (Bmp2), osteocalcin (Oc) and osteopontin (Opn) in MDPs exposed to SA or MTA extracts was determined with reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Mineralized nodule formation was evaluated with Alizarin Red S staining. Simulated body fluid (SBF)-dipped SA was examined with SEM and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Exposed molar pulps of male Wistar rats capped with SA or MTA were histologically examined.

Results: SA extract did not inhibit proliferation of MDPs. Set SA and MTA exhibited attachment of MDPs on their surface. SA extract showed significantly higher mineralized nodule formation and mRNA expression of Bmp2, Oc, and Opn than did MTA extract. SBF-dipped SA exhibited formation of surface precipitates, which were composed of Ca, P, Sr, and Al. Direct pulp capping with SA and with MTA induced mineralized tissue repair of the exposed pulp.

Conclusion: SA possesses biocompatibility and pro-mineralization effects comparable to those of MTA.