Induction of plasmacytomas in genetically susceptible mice with silicone gels.

Silicone gels injected intraperitoneally into strains of mice related to BALB/c develop plasmacytomas in approximately the same numbers and with similar phenotypes as previously obtained with pristane. Silicone gels produce few side effects and are well tolerated for long periods. Silicone gels contain several components that are potentially biologically active: residual vinyl groups and platinum. Microscopic and histological evidence suggests the silicone gel is degraded over a long period of time. Preliminary studies with long chain liquid dimethylpolysiloxanes with viscosities of 1000 cSt and 12,500 cSt have not produced plasmacytomas as yet. The plasmacytomagenic action of the gel appears to be due to the release of liquids from the gel matrix.