Possibility of allergic reaction to dentin primer--application on the skin of guinea pigs.

We studied the allergic reaction of guinea pigs to glyceryl methacrylate (GM), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and meso-erythritol methacrylate (EM), which are used as dentin primers. On the 18th day of the application test, when macroscopic investigation revealed an inflammatory reaction, the methacrylic acid-treated group showed marked eschar formation in comparison with the control group. In each of the dentin primer groups, a slight degree of skin redness was noted, but there were no serious symptoms. On the 25th day, the applications were resumed macroscopic inspection on the 32nd day found eschar in the methacrylic acid group only. Therefore, this experiment with dentin primers suggests a delayed allergic reaction. Local irritability test showed a more severe reaction than the application test. In this test, all experimental dentin primers and methacrylic solution promptly showed inflammation, and the chemical compound, methacrylic acid was a factor in inflammation.