Time, concentration, and pH parameters for the use of glutaraldehyde as a pulpotomy agent: an in vitro study.

The effects of time, concentration, and pH on glutaraldehyde ( GA) fixation were studied in vitro using 2 model systems: coIlagen-BSA gels as simulations of cell cytoplasm and enzyme activity in treated pulp tissue. The former system demonstrated that GA is most effective when buffered, and that its penetration is self-limiting. In general, concentration proved more a factor in the depth of penetration than did time. It was concluded from these experiments that buffering GA, increasing its concentration, and applying it for longer periods, all enhance the degree of fixation; only stronger solutions increase the depth of fixation. Practically, the data suggest that clinical treatment might involve using buffered glutaraldehyde -either at 4% for 4 rain or 8% for 2 rain. Glutaraldehyde has received attention in recent years as an alternative to formocresol for pulp treatment of primary teeth (Ranly 1982; Kennedy 1986). It has demonstrated the following properties: superior fixation with relatively little immunogenicity (Ranly and Lazzari 1983; Ranly et al. 1985), mild effects on pulp tissue, 1lesser systemic distribution (Myers et al. 1986), and positive clinical results (Garcia-Godoy 1986; Fuks et al. 1986). The use of formocresol has evolved from multipleappointment regimens using Buckley’s full-strength preparation (Sweet 1930) to the current 5-min protocol with diluted formocresol (Morawa et al. 1975). The latter change, dilution of formocresol with glycerol and water, has been researched. 2 The other variable, length of application, also has received some attention recently (GarciaGodoy et al. 1982). To the authors’ knowledge, glutaraldehyde has not been examined in the same way. In order to avoid empiricism in the use of glutaraldehyde, this study was undertaken to examine several variables which could influence its effectiveness as a pulpotomy agent. Accordingly, effects of pH, time, and concentration on glutaral~Kopel t al. 1980; Davis et al. 1982; Tagger et al. 1986. 2Straffon and Han 1970; Loos and Han 1971; Garcia-Godoy 1981. dehyde fixation by several in vitro assays were investigated.