Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), which is the major constituent of the material debris formed as a result of orthopaedic implant wear, on the cellular differentiation in a modified in vitro model.
Methods: UHMW-PE particles (Ø < or = 7.5 microm) were suspended in soluble collagen type I and subsequently solidified in different concentrations (10(5), 10(6) and 10(7) particles per well) on the bottom of the wells. Human bone marrow cells in a concentration of 3 x 10(6) cells per well were seeded on the collagen-particle substrate and maintained for up to 72 h. The response of the cells to the particles was examined by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and FACS analysis compared to cells on control collagen surfaces without any particles.
Results: Light and scanning microscopic evaluation revealed that the UHMW-PE particles, which had built large conglomerates (Ø 7.5 microm), were mainly surrounded by the cells and less phagocytosed. The results of the FACS analysis revealed significant differences in CD3/CD4 positive, CD14 positive and CD19 positive cells (p < 0.05). A significant elevation of CD3/CD4 positive and CD14 positive cells (p < 0.05) was observed after the period of culture (72 h) whereas a significant decrease could be detected in the case of CD19 positive cells.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the particle-induced response by UHMW-PE limits itself not only to the particle macrophage contact but influences also the differentiation of the bone marrow. Moreover, the results confirm that the present method is useful to evaluate the in vitro effects of UHMW-PE wear particles with direct particle cell contact. Although the particles built large conglomerates, it could be shown that a change of the immune-competent cells also occurred.