Element release and cytotoxicity of Pd-Cu binary alloys

The release of elements from a series of palladium-copper alloys into cell-culture medium was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The effect of the alloys on the succinyl dehydrogenase activity of Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts was also measured. Palladium inhibited the release of Cu in alloys up to 70 atomic weight percent Cu. Below 70 at. % Cu, Cu release was < 0.8 micrograms/cm2 at 72 hours. Palladium release was lower from pure Pd (0.08 micrograms/cm2) at 72 hours than from Pd-Cu alloys containing > 70 at. % Cu, where it increased to 1.2 micrograms/cm2. The cytotoxicity of the alloys correlated closely with the release of Cu, becoming markedly cytotoxic above 70 at. % Cu, when Cu release was greater than 2.2 micrograms/cm2.

Hydrolytic stability of silanated zirconia-silica-urethane dimethacrylate composites

The effect of the method of silanation of zirconia-silica by 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAPM) and 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (APM) on the diametral tensile and transverse strength of composites made from these silanated fillers and a urethane dimethacrylate was determined after 0-108 h of boiling in water. The water sorption of these composites was also measured at times up to 108 h. Silanation with either silane significantly increased the tensile and transverse strengths and decreased water sorption relative to comparable unsilanated controls. Silanation with MAPM from ethanol solution at three times the minimum uniform coverage gave the best overall results, and the tensile strength tests appeared to be most predictive of effectiveness of the silane treatments.

Effect of silanation of fillers on their dispersability by monomer systems

The effect of silanation on the dispersion of quartz and zirconia-silica fillers by monomers used to formulate composites was studied. Sixteen silane coupling agents and three methods were used, and the amounts of the monomers needed to reach wet and flow point values were determined. The silanes were selected to have a variety of organofunctional and hydrolysable groups. Silanation was done from an ethanol-water solution of the silanes and by adding the silanes directly to the filler at room temperature (24 degrees C) and at the boiling temperature of the silanes. The amount of silane used was either that required to produce minimum uniform coverage on the fillers or three times the minimum coverage. All silanes and all methods of treatment decreased the flow values for both fillers compared to the unsilanated controls. Generalizations were that the effectiveness of silanation on the dispersion of the filler particles was greater (i) when silanation from ethanol solution was used compared to direct addition; (ii) when three times the minimum uniform coverage was used; (iii) when the silane contained methoxy rather than ethoxy groups; (iv) when the silanes were trialkoxy rather than dialkoxy compounds; (v) when the length and bulkiness of the organic functional group was smaller; and (vi) when the organic functional group was methacrylate rather than acrylic. The strength of composites prepared from one of the monomer systems and quartz silanated with methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane was higher than those silanated with acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, which supports the use of the wet and flow point values as screening tests for estimating the dispersability of fillers.

Sorption and solubility of 12 soft denture liners

The long-term stability of a soft denture liner depends to a large extent on the sorption and solubility of the liner. Because sorption and solubility are accompanied by a volumetric change, bacterial infestation, hardening, and color change, it is a physical property of importance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the sorption and solubility of 12 soft denture liners (Verno-Soft, Super Soft, ProTech, Soft-Pak, Flexor, Novus, Molloplast-B, Durosoft, Justi Soft, Velvesoft, VinaSoft and Prolastic). They include nine copolymers, two silicones and one polyphosphazene fluoroelastomer. The sorption and solubility test was performed as outlined in American Dental Association (ADA) specification 12 for denture base polymers. Five specimens of each material were tested and data were collected at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Sorption data varied from 0.2 to 5.6 mg/cm2 at 1 week; 0.3 to 12.5 mg/cm2 at 1 month; 0.1 to 22.0 mg/cm2 at 3 months; 0.1 to 13.6 mg/cm2 at 6 months; and 0.1 to 35.7 mg/cm2 at 12 months. Solubility data varied from 0.0 to 0.4 mg/cm2 at 1 week; 0.1 to 0.8 mg/cm2 at 1 month; +0.1 to 1.2 mg/cm2 at 3 months; 0.0 to 1.9 mg/cm2 at 6 months; and +0.2 to 2.3 mg/cm2 at 1 year. A statistical analysis of the data by two-way ANOVA and calculated Tukey intervals showed significant differences between materials at all time intervals. The results of this study have clinical implications because the sorption and solubility may affect the long-term life expectancy of the soft denture liner.

Trends in elastomeric impression materials

In the past three years more addition silicones have been supplied as hydrophilic materials and heavier viscosities have been provided in automatic mixing cartridges. Also, a polyether is now supplied in an automatic mixing system. There has been an increase in the number of products available as monophase or single viscosity systems. Both addition silicones and polyethers are available as bite registration materials.

In vitro effects of metal ions on cellular metabolism and the correlation between these effects and the uptake of the ions

The effects of Ag+1, Au+3, Cd+2, Cu+2, Ga+3, In+3, Ni+2, Pd+2, and Zn+2 on DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, succinic dehydrogenase activity, and total cellular protein of mammalian fibroblasts were measured for exposures less than 12 h. The rates at which these cellular functions responded to metal ion exposure were compared and related to the uptake rate of the ions into the cells. These rates of response were significantly different: DNA synthesis decreased the fastest, followed by protein synthesis, succinic dehydrogenase activity, and total protein. This order of response was similar for most metal ions. At 4 h, the rate of uptake of the metal ions correlated most closely with depression of succinic dehydrogenase activity, whereas at 8 h, the uptake correlated most closely with depression of protein synthesis. The similar response of cells to all metal ions may imply that these ions act on cells by similar mechanisms. The rates of uptake of Ag+1, Cu+2, and Zn+2 were sufficiently fast that in vivo exposures of tissues to these metals for periods less than 12 h would be capable of disrupting cellular metabolism.

Physical properties of three maxillofacial materials as a function of accelerated aging

This study compares the tensile strength, elongation, Shore-A hardness, and tear resistance of three silicone maxillofacial materials before and after aging to provide comparative data for evaluation of new or experimental elastomers. The materials evaluated were MDX-4-4210, Factor II (A-2186), and Cosmesil. Tests were conducted 24 hours after specimen preparation and were repeated after aging for 900 hours in a Weather-Ometer device. Five samples were made for each material under all test conditions. After testing, mean values were calculated for all materials under all test conditions and were compared by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey intervals at p < or = 0.05.

Application of flow cytometry to determine the cytotoxicity of urethane dimethacrylate in human cells

The effects of an oligomer, urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), on two human cell lines were studied using flow cytometry (FCM). Untreated and treated cultures of propidium iodine-stained KB (epidermal oral carcinoma cells) and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells were analyzed for cellular DNA content. Concentrations of 10 and 25 microM of UDMA slightly perturbed the KB cell cycle progression at 24 and 48 h of incubation. However, the effect of 50 microM was more pronounced at the latter incubation time period. In cell growth experiments, the sublethal concentrations (10 and 25 microM) produced inhibition of KB cell growth rate at a moderate level, which resulted in the prolongation of cell population doubling time. Significant inhibition of cell growth occurred when 50 microM (lethal concentration) was used. Data obtained from the cell cycle perturbation analysis, evidenced by FCM, correlated with the extent of inhibition in KB cell growth rates. The effects of sublethal concentrations were reversible during a 24 h period of oligomer withdrawal from culture medium. In contrast, the effects of 50 microM were not reversible. In HFF cells the depletion of S phase in the cell cycle was the major effect of 50 microM of UDMA. It was concluded that FCM technology is an ideal and practical approach for studying the cytotoxicity of components of dental composites.

Strategies to affect bone remodeling: osteointegration

Osteointegration was defined as a "direct structural and functional connection between ordered living bone and the surface of a load-carrying implant." Although osteointegration was meant originally to describe a biologic fixation of the titanium dental implants, it is now used to describe the attachment of other materials used for dental and orthopedic applications as well. Analyses of material-bone interface showed that osteointegrated implants can have an intervening fibrous layer or direct bone apposition characterized by bone-bonding depending on the composition and surface properties of the biomaterial. This article reviews biologic (host tissue properties and response), biomechanical, and biomaterial factors affecting osteointegration. Biologic factors include the quality of bone. Biomaterial factors include the effect of material composition on the bone-material interface. Suggested areas for future research include determining the correlation between oral bone status and osteoporosis, the effect of gender, age, and endocrine status (e.g., osteoporosis) on implant success or failure, the effect of calcium phosphate coating composition and crystallinity on in vivo performance of implants, the factors contributing to accelerated osteointegration, and development of osteoinductive implants.

Photoelastic stress analysis of self-threading pins

In this laboratory study six self-threading retention pins were evaluated using the two-dimensional photoelastic technique. The experimental samples consisted of 60 blocks of PSM-1 photoelastic material measuring 1" by 1" by 1/4". The samples were divided into six groups of 10 blocks each, with each group representing one of the pins used in the study. Pins were inserted and cores of amalgam and composite were fabricated over the pins. The samples were observed in the polariscope and photographed after pin insertion and after loading the cores with a constant, compressive force of 20 pounds. Using magnification, fringe orders were counted and rounded to the highest 0.5 fringe order. Each sample was evaluated for apical and shoulder stress. All statistical analyses were done using ANOVA at the P = 0.05 significance level. It was concluded from this study that the insertion of self-threading retention pins results in stress at the apical and shoulder areas of the pin. Pin design features, such as shoulder stops, significantly affect the magnitude and location of stress. There were no significant differences in either the apical or shoulder stresses induced when cores were made of either amalgam or composite resin.

Accuracy of models for indirect posterior restorations

Effects of materials and techniques on the accuracy of models used to make indirect restorations was measured using a 4-unit posterior model containing a MOD and full crown preparation. Improved stone and fast setting epoxy dies backed with either improved stone or a thermoplastic hot melt stone were made from single-viscosity addition silicone impressions. Technique variations included heating or not heating the impression, cooling and pouring dies and placement of the hot melt stone on set or unset epoxy. The dimensions of the MOD (L, W, H) and of the crown (W, H) dies were measured at 1 and 24 h. No clinically significant changes occurred between 1 and 24 h. The stone control reproduced the dimensions of the master die best, and models made by pouring epoxy into the impression followed by immediate pouring of the hot melt stone gave the poorest reproduction. Other variations in technique using epoxy for the anatomical portion gave no practical differences in accuracy. Of the epoxy dies, those prepared from a previously heated impression with hot melt poured after the epoxy set had the best values; however, epoxy dies were smaller than stone dies. The fast set epoxy was noteworthy for rapid processing and sharp detail, however, negative changes for W and H of the crown and H and L of the MOD showed that a die spacer would be essential in the preparation of indirect restorations.

The effect of cell monolayer density on the cytotoxicity of metal ions which are released from dental alloys

The effect of cell density (number of cells per unit area of a monolayer culture) on the in vitro cytotoxicity of metal ions which are known to be released from dental materials was investigated. The effects of cell density (1) may explain previous discrepancies in in vitro tests, (2) may be important in wound healing where cell density changes over time, and (3) may help clarify the mechanisms of cytotoxicity of metal ions. Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts were plated at cell densities ranging from 10,000-80,000 cells/cm2 and were exposed to 8 concentrations of 10 different metal ions. After 24 h, the succinic dehydrogenase activity and DNA synthesis were measured to quantify the cytotoxic effect. Higher cell densities markedly reduced the sensitivity of these fibroblasts to all metal ions except Al+3 and Zn+2, but the magnitude of the reduction was metal dependent. In addition, the DNA synthesis was inhibited more than the succinic dehydrogenase activity for all metal ions except Zn+2. The unique effect of cell density on each metal ion supported the hypothesis that the effect was not simply caused by a dilution of the number of metal ions per cell. Given these results, the effect of cell density should be carefully selected in in vitro cytotoxicity tests.

Uptake of metal cations by fibroblasts in vitro

Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to assess uptake of Ag+1, Au+4, Cd+2, Cu+2, In+3, Ni+2, Pd+2, and Zn+2 by in vitro cultures of Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts as a function of concentration of the cations in cell-culture medium. Reversibility of this uptake was also measured. Metal cations exhibited a 400-fold difference in their tendency to accumulate in the cells; In+3 tended to accumulate the most, whereas Pd+2 accumulated the least. Uptake of the cations in the cells increased linearly with the concentration of the cation in the medium for all cations up to their 50% toxicity concentrations. Reversal of this uptake was slower than that of the initial uptake for three cations studied in more detail (Cd+2, In+3, and Ni+2). The duration of the initial exposure affected the proportion of the metal cations that were retained by the cells 5 h after the cations were removed from the medium. The proportion of retained Cd+2 did not change when the initial exposure was increased from 2 h to 6 h, whereas the proportion of retained In+3 decreased and Ni+2 increased over the same period. The tendency of the cells to accumulate these cations correlated with their cytotoxic potency (measured previously).

Physical property comparison of 11 soft denture lining materials as a function of accelerated aging

Soft denture-lining materials are an important treatment option for patients who have chronic soreness associated with dental prostheses. Three distinctly different types of materials are generally used. These are plasticized polymers or copolymers, silicones, or polyphosphazene fluoroelastomer. The acceptance of these materials by patients and dentists is variable. The objective of this study is to compare the tensile strength, percent elongation, hardness, tear strength, and tear energy of eight plasticized polymers or copolymers, two silicones, and one polyphosphazene fluoroelastomer. Tests were run at 24 hours after specimen preparation and repeated after 900 hours of accelerated aging in a Weather-Ometer device. The data indicated a wide range of physical properties for soft denture-lining materials and showed that accelerated aging dramatically affected the physical and mechanical properties of many of the elastomers. No soft denture liner proved to be superior to all others. The data obtained should provide clinicians with useful information for selecting soft denture lining materials for patients.

The effect of repeated stretching on the force decay and compliance of vulcanized cis-polyisoprene orthodontic elastics

Compliance measurements, used in the past to measure the viscoelastic properties of dental impression materials, were used to assess these properties in vulcanized cis-polyisoprene orthodontic elastics, and the results were compared with traditional force decay measurements. Both methods were also used to evaluate the effect of repeated stretching on these elastics. Compliance measurements successfully characterized the viscoelastic behavior of the elastics, and the results agreed with force decay measurements. Repeated stretching significantly reduced the force and the compliance of the elastics. There was no statistical difference in the force or compliance measurements after the elastics were stretched more than 200 times. Stretching for 1000 cycles of 400% extension reduced elastic force by approximately 12%.

Two-input programmable optical processing units

Descriptions of several two-input programmable Boolean optical processing units are presented. These units were designed specifically for use within the optical cellular logic image processor architecture. Results from an experimental implementation of one of these processors are given. Expansion upon one of these units to produce a serial full-adder and subtractor circuit is also shown to be possible.

In vitro synergistic, antagonistic, and duration of exposure effects of metal cations on eukaryotic cells

Effects of duration of exposure of single metal cations (Ag+1, Cd+2, Cu+2, Ga+3, Ni+2, and Zn+2) on 3H-thymidine (3H-Tdr) incorporation and 3-[4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2yl-]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide-formazan (MTT-f) production in cultured murine fibroblasts (Balb/c 3T3) were investigated, and the synergistic and antagonistic effects of two metal cations applied simultaneously to the fibroblasts were assessed. The effects of duration of exposure were quantified using TC50 values (concentration of an element required to cause 50% toxicity compared with controls) measured after 24, 48, or 72 h. Using MTT-f production, Cd+2, Cu+2, Ga+3, and Ni+2 showed significantly lower TC50 values with increasing time of exposure, whereas the TC50 values for Ag+1 and Zn+2 remained constant. The TC50 values using 3H-Tdr incorporation exhibited a similar pattern with time of exposure, but the effects were less pronounced. The TC50 values for 3H-Tdr and MTT-f tended to equalize at 72 h. All combinations of cations tested (Ag-Cu, Ag-Zn, Ag-Ni, Cu-Zn, Cu-Ni, Ga-Ni, and Cu-Cd) exhibited synergistic and antagonistic effects as measured by MTT-f production. Synergistic and antagonistic effects were not necessarily mutually exclusive in the same system.

Comparison of bond strength of six soft denture liners to denture base resin

The bond strength of six commercial soft denture liners was evaluated using a modified tensile test. The soft denture liners investigated were Prolastic, VinaSoft, Flexor, Molloplast-B, Novus, and Super-Soft. The samples were processed according to the manufacturers' instructions to cured denture base resin (polymethyl methacrylate; PMMA). The soft denture liners were 10 x 10 x 3 mm and were processed between two PMMA blocks. The samples were placed in tension until failure. The mode of failure, cohesive or adhesive, was also recorded. The results of this study showed that the bond strength is related to the components of the materials. Prolastic, VinaSoft, and Flexor had the lowest bond strength to cured PMMA and ranged from 9.6 to 11.3 kg/cm2. Super-Soft, Novus, and Molloplast-B demonstrated better bond strengths and ranged from 16.7 to 17.6 kg/cm2. The bond strength of Novus could be improved by using the recommended bonding agent and bonded Novus at 26.1 kg/cm2 had the highest bond strength of all materials tested.

The effects of cleaning on the kinetics of in vitro metal release from dental casting alloys

The kinetics of the release of elements from six dental casting alloys into cell-culture medium was assessed by means of atomic absorption spectroscopy. Alloys were evaluated in the polished and polished-cleaned conditions so that the effects of cleaning could be determined. Auger scanning microscopy was used for analysis of the surfaces of selected alloys before and after exposure to the cell-culture medium. Release patterns for each element were characterized by the shape of the dissolution vs. time curve, concentration of the element at 12 h as a percentage of the 72-hour concentration, and the relative slope of the curve from 48 to 72 h. Three patterns of release were observed for elements in these alloys. Type I patterns had logarithmic shapes with relatively large 12-hour concentrations and low 48-72-hour slopes. Type II patterns had logarithmic shapes but with moderate 12-hour concentrations and 48-72-hour slopes. Type III patterns were polynomial in shape, had relatively low 12-hour concentrations, and had large 48-72-hour slopes. Cleaning did not change the pattern of release but did generally significantly decrease the quantities of elements released (p = 0.05). The type of dissolution vs. time curve appeared to be dependent upon the element and the composition of the alloy. When cleaning reduced dissolution, surface analyses showed that the cleaning process increased the abundance of elements such as Au and Pd and reduced the abundance of Ag and Cu. Elements which were released from the alloys were more abundant on the surface than in the bulk in both polished and polished-cleaned conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Viscosity of monophase addition silicones as a function of shear rate

The viscosity of monophase addition silicone impression materials was measured as a function of shear rate. The setting of mixed catalyst and base was prevented by addition of a small amount of phenyl propiolic acid. All products showed a 6- to 10-fold decrease in viscosity with an increasing shear rate (shear thinning). The addition of phenyl propiolic acid had little or no effect on the viscosity of three materials. However, when added to the catalyst or base only of two products, it increased their viscosity and exaggerated the shear thinning effect.

Comparison of the physical properties of 11 soft denture liners

Soft denture liners are an important treatment option for patients who have chronic soreness associated with their prostheses. The objective of this study is to determine the tensile strength, elongation, hardness, tear strength, and tear energy of eight plasticized polymers or copolymers, two silicones, and one polyphosphazene fluoroelastomer. Tests were made on samples that were stored in a humidor for 24 hours before testing. The range of data is as follows: tensile strength, 8 to 85 kg/cm2; percent elongation, 150% to 542%; hardness, 25 to 95 Shore-A units; tear energy, 1.43 x 10(6) to 40.4 x 10(6) ergs/cm2; tear resistance, 2.6 to 26.3 kg/cm. It can be concluded that (1) the data obtained can be useful in characterizing the performance of soft denture liners, (2) there is considerable variability in the physical/mechanical properties of soft denture liners, and (3) the required essential properties for soft denture liners are as yet not known.

Stress analyses of four prefabricated posts

A two-dimensional photoelastic stress analysis method was applied to study the relative magnitude of stress and concentration induced by four commercially available posts for endodontically treated teeth. Three types of threaded posts; VLock, Radix Anchor, and Flexi-Post, and one nonthreaded prefabricated post, the Para-Post Plus post were tested. Stress was recorded at installation, at vertical and inclined load, and the threaded posts were compared with the nonthreaded post. At installation and on loading, stress was induced where posts were in contact with the model. Higher apical stresses were demonstrated for the Para-Post Plus post whereas the threaded posts concentrated stress where they engaged the model through threads or flanges.

Precision of and new methods for testing in vitro alloy cytotoxicity

Previous studies have utilized in vitro alloy cytotoxicity tests to evaluate dental casting alloys. The purposes of this study were to: (1) evaluate the precision of the optical density and visual tests previously used, (2) evaluate a new test measuring absorbance of solubilized formazan dyes, and (3) test the correlation between these tests for cytotoxicity. Balb/c 3T3 cells were plated in 24-well culture trays at 25,000 cells/cm2 around ten types of dental casting alloys (six samples/alloy) and incubated for 72 h. Cells were histochemically stained with MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide)/succinate for 2 h, then fixed, washed, and dried. Toxicity was measured by optical densitometer (OD) scanning, visual assessment, and 560-nm absorbance of DMSO-solubilized dyes. Measurements of rings of inhibition were not used, because they did not provide precise data, and correlated poorly with the other methods. The results were analyzed by ANOVA, Tukey intervals, and coefficients of variation (CV's). MTT required shorter incubation times for adequate staining, allowed for solubilization of the monolayers, and was less expensive than NBT (2,2'-di-p-nitro-phenyl-5,5'-diphenyl-3,3'-dimethoxy-[3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4 '-biphenylene] ditetrazolium chloride). Results showed that all three methods ranked alloy toxicities similarly (p = 0.05). The solubilization method was most discriminating due to lower CV's. Correlation between densitometer and solubilization methods was excellent (R2 = 0.96). Between-experiment CV's were generally less than 20%, and often less than 10%. Between-sample CV's were generally less than 20%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytotoxic effects of resin components on cultured mammalian fibroblasts

The objectives of this study were to determine the cytotoxic concentrations of 11 components of resin composites on monolayers of cultured Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts, to study the inhibitory effects of these components on DNA synthesis, total protein content, and protein synthesis, and to determine whether effects were reversible when the components were withdrawn from the medium. These data were reported as concentrations which inhibited 10% (ID10) and 50% (ID50) of a particular metabolic process as well as the range of concentrations over which cell metabolism was irreversibly inhibited. For any individual component, the ID50 values for all three metabolic parameters were of the same magnitude. The same was true for the ranges of irreversibility. Ethoxylated Bis-phenol A dimethacrylate (E-BPA) was the most toxic molecule of the group (ID50 being between 1 and 10 mumol/L). The ID50 concentrations for three of the components, including Bis-GMA, UDMA, TEGDMA, and Bis-phenol A, ranged between 10 and 100 mumol/L, while the ID50 values of three components (N,N dihydroxyethyl-p-toluidine, camphoroquinone, and N,N dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) were above 100 mumol/L. The concentrations to which the cells and tissues are exposed in vivo are not known. This study should help to identify the concentrations of organic composite components which pose clinical cytotoxic hazards.

The in vitro effects of metal cations on eukaryotic cell metabolism

The in vitro cytotoxicity of nine metal cations common in dental casting alloys was evaluated using Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts and four toxicity parameters: total protein production, 3H-leucine incorporation, 3H-thymidine incorporation, and MTT-formazan production. Concentrations causing 50% toxicity compared to controls (TC50's) and reversibility of these effects were determined. The range of potency of the metal cations was 2-3 orders of magnitude, with Cd2+ showing the greatest potency and In3+ showing the least. Potency did not correlate with atomic weight for these metals. For each metal cation, the TC50's of the various toxicity parameters were similar in most cases. However, several cations (Cu2+, Ga3+) showed greater potency with 3H-thymidine incorporation. Reversibility of the toxic effects was observed for all cations; the effects generally became irreversible at concentrations in the range of the TC50 value for each cation. Several stimulatory effects were seen. Small but statistically significant stimulations were observed after 24 h of metal exposure for Ag1+, Au4+, Cu2+, Ga3+, and Ni2+. Residual stimulations 24 h after removal of the metal cations were observed for Au4+, Cd2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+. Stimulations always occurred at concentrations below the TC50 concentrations. This study should be useful in evaluating the potential cytotoxic effects of metal cations released from dental alloys.