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Updated: Aug 15, 2025
Intralymphatic Immunotherapy and Vaccination in Mice
Published on: February 2, 2014
Polymethylmethacrylate Microspheres are Immunologically Inert in Mouse Tissues
Anália Cirqueira Milhomem1, Rodrigo Saar Gomes1, Fernanda Dias Tomé1
1Department of Biosciences and Technology , Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health (IPTSP), Federal University of Goias (UFG), Rua 235, s/n.º - Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
Abstract:
Nowadays, aesthetic concerns have gained attention, especially by patients looking for a less invasive alternative to minor facial corrections. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is widely used as a soft tissue filler; the demand for this polymer has increased, and along with it, there are some reports of adverse reactions. Such adverse reactions stem from consequences of immune and inflammatory reactions to PMMA. Some animal models have been used to unravel the causes of these reactions, among other factors involving the management of PMMA. The aim of this study was to determine the immunogenic profile of PMMA implantation in different anatomical planes of mice, over up to 360 experimental days. In this study, BALB/c mice were divided into 30 groups for immune evaluation of the interaction between the organism and the polymer; 2% PMMA was implanted subcutaneously, 10% intramuscularly and 30% in periosteal juxtaposition and followed during five experimental days (7, 30, 90, 180 and 360 days after implantation-DAI). Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-gamma, TNF, IL-17A, IL-10 and TGF-beta) were quantified in all experimental days. There was no statistical difference between the groups analyzed considering the evaluated parameters. Therefore, at all implanted depths, PMMA behaved inertly in a murine model.No Level Assigned This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Insights
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a common soft tissue filler. This study found PMMA to be inert, showing no statistical differences in immune responses across various implantation depths in mice over 360 days.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is increasingly used as a facial soft tissue filler.
- Adverse reactions to PMMA fillers are linked to immune and inflammatory responses.
- Understanding PMMA's immunogenicity is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunogenic profile of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) when implanted in different anatomical planes in a murine model.
- To assess the long-term biocompatibility of PMMA over 360 days.
- To investigate the inflammatory response to PMMA at varying concentrations and depths.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were used, with PMMA implanted subcutaneously (2%), intramuscularly (10%), and periosteally (30%).
- Groups were evaluated at 7, 30, 90, 180, and 360 days post-implantation.
- Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-gamma, TNF, IL-17A, IL-10, TGF-beta) were quantified.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in the evaluated immune parameters across all experimental groups.
- Cytokine levels remained consistent, indicating a lack of significant inflammatory or immune reaction to PMMA.
- PMMA demonstrated inert behavior regardless of implantation depth or concentration.
Conclusions:
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) exhibits an inert profile in a murine model, irrespective of implantation depth.
- The study suggests PMMA is biocompatible and does not elicit a significant immune or inflammatory response.
- Findings support the safety of PMMA as a soft tissue filler in aesthetic procedures.
