Exploring the Pharmacotoxicological Mechanisms of Botulinum Toxin on Healthy and Tumoral Oral Cells

Abstract

This study investigates the pharmacotoxicological action mechanisms of botulinum toxin (BT) on oral cellular health, comparing its effects on healthy and tumoral cells in the oral cavity. Utilizing primary cultures of oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts, alongside oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lines, the research assesses BT's cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and migration effects under controlled in vitro conditions, complemented by in ovo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays to evaluate vascular irritant potential. Results indicate a clear dose-dependent cytotoxicity of BT across all cell types. Viability and proliferation rates for healthy keratinocytes and fibroblasts slightly decreased to 95% and 96% at low BT concentrations, with more pronounced effects observed in SCC cells (90% viability). At higher concentrations, viability dropped significantly to 70% for SCC cells, highlighting BT's potential for selective tumoral targeting. Cell migration assays revealed significant reductions in motility for all cell types, suggesting implications for wound healing and tumoral invasion. CAM assay outcomes demonstrated BT's minimal irritant effects at low doses, with increasing vascular irritation observed at higher concentrations. Conclusively, this study underscores the importance of concentration in BT's cellular impact, advocating for optimized therapeutic applications in dental medicine that minimize adverse effects while leveraging its antitumoral potential.