Immunology of Silicones

An analysis of the response of the immune system to silicone. This work describes the chemistry of silicones and composition of commonly used silicone breast implants.

---

An analysis of the response of the immune system to silicones. This work describes the chemistry of silicones and composition of commonly used silicone breast implants. It has been estimated that around 800,000 women in the US have been recipients of silicone breast implants and there is much concern about the biological reaction to material contained within these implants. Silicones react with proteins and tissues, usually in a non-specific way. It does seem generally accepted that under special circumstances silicone gels can induce the formation of chronic granulomas and act as immunological adjuvants.