RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the concentration and time-dependent effects of endodontic sealers' extracts (AH Plus [Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany], GuttaFlow [Roeko, Colténe/Whaledent, Germany], Tubliseal [Kerr/Sybron, Romulus, MI], Sealapex [Kerr/Sybron, Romulus, MI], and RealSeal [SybronEndo, Orange, CA]) in the differentiation and function of both unstimulated and stimulated osteoclast precursors, simulating, respectively, immature/undifferentiated precursors and cells undergoing osteoclastogenesis. METHODS: The sealers were mixed according to the manufacturers' instructions, freshly extracted with culture medium (1.3 cm(2)/mL, 24 hours, 37°C, 5% CO2/air), and diluted (1:20, 1:100, 1:500, and 1:2500). Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used as osteoclast precursor cells. After overnight attachment, peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures were exposed to the sealers' extracts during 21 days in the absence (unstimulated) or presence (stimulated) of recombinant macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor for the activation of nuclear factor-κB ligand. Cultures performed in the absence of the extracts were used as the control. Cultures were characterized for osteoclastic differentiation and function. RESULTS: Extracts caused mostly inhibitory effects on osteoclastic cells, both in unstimulated and stimulated conditions, which were reflected by a decrease in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity, the presence of actin rings, vitronectin and calcitonin receptors, the calcium phosphate resorbing ability, and the expression of osteoclastic genes. Also, the extracts induced alterations in the relative contribution of some intracellular signaling pathways involved in osteoclastogenic events. The sealers differed in the dose- and time-dependent profile. An adaptive cell response was noticed for the inhibitory effects after long-term exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Endodontic sealers affect the osteoclastic differentiation and activity, which is followed by an adaptive cell response. Our results suggest that the deleterious effect in the bone periapical tissues observed with the root canal sealers might involve, at least partially, a direct effect on the osteoclastic cells.