[The effect of silicon on the tuberculous infection and immune system]

Abstract

Our study showed that silicon not only injured cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus membrane, but also inhibited the activity of succinic dehydrogenase in monocytes and lung tissue. In such condition, the tubercle bacilli became easier to grow. The tuberculous infection was worse in guinea-pigs infused with silicon. Guinea-pigs immunized by dead BCG or non-toxic tubercle bacillus H37 Ra strain were shown to have some effect against pulmonary tuberculosis.