Tissue reaction to the nickel implants in the guinea pigs.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was the assessment of local tolerance to nickel implants during 9 months observation in guinea pigs sensitized to nickel before implantation and non-sensitized ones. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three groups of guinea pigs were included in the study: 10 sensitized to nickel by the guinea pig maximization test; 10 previously non-sensitized and 10 in control group. In 20 animals (except control group) the nickel implants were inserted in the muscle of the back. After 9 months of observation, the animals were patch-tested with 5% nickel sulfate. Also percentage of eosinophils in peripheral blood was examined. Next, the tissue surrounding the implant and skin from the area of patch tests were collected for the histological examination. RESULTS In 70% of previously sensitized animals, the patch test confirmed the sensitivity to nickel. In 60% of previously non-sensitized animals, a positive reaction to nickel occurred. The results of patch tests in control group were negative. Percentage of eosinophils in peripheral blood was fourfold higher in animals sensitized to nickel than in control group. In histological examination, in the tissue surrounding the implant a dissimilarity concerning the intensity of cellular infiltration was observed between animals previously allergic and non-allergic to nickel. In the 2 of 10 previously sensitized guinea pigs quite severe inflammatory reactions in the inside of connective tissue capsule were noted which may indicate a local allergic reaction. The histological images of skin collected from the positive patch test site corresponded with the typical allergic contact dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS Nickel implants may cause primary sensitization to nickel. The nature of the histological changes in the tissues around the implants in guinea pigs sensitized to nickel may correspond to an allergic reaction. The examination of percentage of eosinophils in blood of guinea pigs may be useful in assessing the allergenic activity of metal alloys containing nickel.