[Toxicology of metals and biocompatibility of metallic implant materials].

Based on general toxicological knowledge and the notorious measurements of corrosion parameters this paper is an attempt to define the biocompatibility of metallic materials used for implantation in the human body. Mentioned are essentially those implant materials and its metallic elements which are subjectmatter of a standard specification. The previous experiences concerning "metal allergy" are shortly recapitulated. Model conceptions about the mechanisms of tissue reaction to metallic elements are indicated.