Effects of isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate polymer on cultured cells derived from murine cerebral microvessels.

The initial and delayed effects of isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate (IBCA) polymer on cells cultured from the wall of mouse cerebral microvessels were examined using a simple cytotoxicity assay. Cell cultured media were conditioned by exposure to IBCA polymer for 24-hr periods over the 15 days following polymerization and the media were then added to confluent endothelial or smooth muscle cell monolayers. The resulting cell detachment was assessed as a measure of cytotoxicity. The results indicated that immediately or a few days after polymerization and at approximately 12-13 days after polymerization, IBCA released material(s) that caused significant cell detachment from cell monolayers. This finding may explain some of the observed toxic effects of IBCA, particularly on vascular lesions within the brain. This simple bioassay may be used to study early and delayed effects of other potential embolotherapy materials on components of the blood vessel wall.