Cell culture response of synovial fibroblasts to prosthetic metal particles

The purpose of this study was to examine the response of the rabbit fibroblasts to varying concentrations of titanium and cobalt-chrome particles. In the five experiments that were carried out, the results were nearly identical. Where the particle concentrations were 1 or 2 particles per cell of Co-Cr or CPTi, there was little or no effect on the cells. This held for cells growing with the metals as well as when the metals were added at cell confluency. When the particle concentrations were 10 or 20 particles per cell of Co-Cr or CPTi, all or nearly all of the cells were killed. This also held for cells growing with the metals as well as when the metals were added at cell confluency. Both Co-Cr and CPTi were equally as lethal in killing the fibroblasts at the concentrations outlined above in both of the experimental designs. Little attention has been paid to the possible role of the fibroblast, and little is known concerning the response in the presence of wear debris particles outlined above in both of the experimental designs.