The distribution of nickel in mice. An autoradiographic study

Metallic restorations are corroded in the oral environment. Corrosion products penetrate into the tissues and are distributed throughout the body seeking certain organs and tissues as targets. The distribution patterns of nickel in albino mice were studied autoradiographically at various periods after an intravenous injection of 63Ni in order to locate the target organs and tissues of nickel. With short survival periods the highest uptake of 63Ni was found in the blood, kidney, urinary bladder, lung, eye and hair follicles. With long survival periods, 3 weeks, the distribution pattern was dominated by high uptake in the lung tissues, central nervous system, kidneys, hard tissues and skin. The distribution pattern in brown mice was similar to that in albino mice. However, the concentration in the eye and the skin was more pronounced. The importance of release of nickel from nickel containing dental alloys in nickel allergic patients is discussed.