[Studies on the cytotoxic action of various silicone rubber impression materials by means of cell culture (author's transl)].

Biological test of the silicone rubber impression materials was done by utilizing tissue cultures of L strain cells. Criteria for cytotoxicity were based upon response index in agar diffusion method which was determined by zone index and lysis index, and morphological observations of the cells. The materials used were chosen among those which were commercially available. Base material, catalyst, unset and set mixes of both materials were tested respectively. X-ray fluorescence analysis of the material was also performed. Following results were obtained. 1) Base material of all the materials showed zone index of a range between 11.8 mm and 18.6 mm. On the otherhand, lysis index was relatively small and minimum response index was 11.8 mm/8.6 mm. The cells appeared normal after cultivation with the base materials, though tissue culture medium became opaque due to dissolution of the base materials. It is revealed that the above results mean little cytotoxicity to the cells. 2) Catalyst, on the otherhand, yielded intense cytotoxicity. Minimum response index for the catalyst was 13.4 mm/14.8 mm. Morphological observation was parallel to the results of agar diffusion method. 3) Unset mixes also yielded intense to moderate cytotoxicity. 4) Set mixes showed a similar in level of cytotoxicity to the unset mixes. 5) X-ray fluorescence analysis of the materials revealed existence of such elements as Si, Sr, Sn, S, Cu and Fe. Moreover, Zn was found in materials A, B, C, D and E; P in materials A and B, and Pb in materials E and F. However, it was unable to show what compound was formed by these elements. It is expected that the present results could give a clue on animal experiments or clinical use from the view point of biocompatibility of silicone rubber impression materials.