Experimental Study of the Biological Effect of Titanium Nickelide Powder Intended for Obliteration of the Pleural Cavity

Pleurodesis occupies an important place in the complex treatment of metastatic pleurisy in progression of various forms of malignant tumors. Despite the variety of agents proposed for chemical pleurodesis, there is still no universal technique that fully meets safety and effectiveness requirements, by virtue whereof the search for new substances for pleural cavity obliteration with a minimal profile of toxicity and side effects remains relevant. The purpose of the work is to study the biological effect of titanium nickelide powder, intended for obliteration of the pleural cavity, in animals and in vitro experiments. Research material and methods. In this work, powdered titanium nickelide with a particle dispersion degree from 20 to 160 microns was studied. Cytotoxicity of titanium nickelide was determined in the culture of human fibroblasts and endotheliocytes using the MTT assay. The powder's acute toxicity was studied when it was administered intraperitoneally to white laboratory mice. The effectiveness of pleurodesis was determined by spraying titanium nickelide powder into the pleural cavity of minipigs during macro- and microscopic pathomorphological examination of the pleura. Results. In cell cultures of human fibroblasts and endotheliocytes, it was shown that titanium nickelide powder with a particle dispersion degree from 20 to 160 microns with a median of 80 (60; 100) microns did not result in cell lysis and a change in their cytomorphology. The powder under study has no toxic properties when administered intraperitoneally to albino mice of both sexes at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Spraying titanium nickelide powder in the pleural cavity of minipigs provides effective and safe pleurodesis by the 14th–21st day of the postoperative period, characterized by the spread of the adhesive process in all parts of the pleural cavity with complete obliteration of sinus spaces without forming inflammatory pleural effusion and bleeding. Conclusions. The use of titanium nickelide powder with a particle dispersion from 20 to 160 microns ensures effective and safe pleurodesis.