Preliminary histological study of connective tissue response to Zinalco and stainless steel 316L implants after 120...

Circular plates of Zinalco alloy (80 wt% Zn, 1.5 wt% Cu, 18.5 wt% Al) and stainless steel (SS) 316L were implanted in 12 female Wistar rats subcutaneously and intramuscularly to compare organism response, 120 days after implantation. The tissues surrounding the implants were analysed employing hematoxilin and eosin (H-E) and Gallego's trichromic techniques (GTT). Findings indicate that the reaction to Zinalco alloy was similar to the reaction to SS 316L. The Zn, Al and Cu concentrations in blood were measured, without evidence of any alteration due to implants. The presence and distribution of Zn, Al and Cu components of Zinalco alloy were detected in tissues by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis.