OBJECTIVETo evaluate the influence of incorporating inorganic antibacterial agents on the systemic toxicity and cytotoxicity of an experimental self-etching primer (ESP).

METHODSSix kinds of inorganic agents were incorporated respectively into the primer. Systemic toxicity in vivo tests in rats and direct contact in vitro cytotoxicity tests with NIH fibrohiasts were conducted.

RESULTSSystemic toxicity tests revealed neither toxic manifestations nor significant differences in body weight gain hetween control and other groups. There were no significant differences between experimental groups and empty control on cell vitality and cell proliferation rates. Toxicity was only observed in areas heneath the specimens and/or in the direct vicinity of the specimen edge. There was no influence on the cell density over the limit of specimens.

CONCLUSIONThe incorporation of tested inorganic antibacterial agents with a proper concentration had no significant influence on the systemic toxicity and cytotoxicity of the tested self-etching primer.