In vitro effect of parachlorophenol and camphorated parachlorophenol on macrophages.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the "in vitro" effect of parachlorophenol and camphorated parachlorophenol, used in endodontics for the disinfection of root canals, on the substrate adherence capacity of macrophages. Inflammatory macrophages were obtained from Wistar rats and resuspended in RPMI-1640 medium. As a test of macrophage phagocytic function, the adherence capacity of macrophages to a plastic surface was determined. Assays were conducted in Eppendorf tubes for 15 min of incubation at 37 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2. The adherence index was calculated. Results showed that parachlorophenol and camphorated parachlorophenol significantly decreased the substrate adherence capacity of inflammatory macrophages. Taking into account that adhesion is the first step in the phagocytic process of macrophages and in antigen presentation, parachlorophenol and camphorated parachlorophenol could inhibit macrophage function and modulate immune and inflammatory reactions in periapical tissues.