[Experimental investigations on cell resorption from the peritoneal cavity by use of the scanning electron microscope...

1. It is well known that microscopically small particles may be absorbed from the peritoneal cavity via the large lymphatic vessels. The present experiments were carried out in order to elucidate the site of the absorption. In addition, the role of transperitoneal transport of neoplastic cells as a possible cause of cancer metastases was studied. 2. The peritoneal surface of 40 rats and mice was studied with the scanning electron microscope (diaphragm, lateral abdominal wall). The investigations were carried out in 8 rats and 3 mice 24 hrs following the intraperitoneal injection of washed homologous erythrocytes and in 20 rats and 5 mice 24 hrs after the intraperitoneal injection of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. 2 rats and 2 mice served as controls. 3. In the control animals no stomata could be shown in the peritoneum of the diaphragm or in the lateral abdominal wall. 4. The i.p. injection of erythrocytes was followed by the appearance of stomata in the peritoneal surface of the diaphragm, and absorption of erythrocytes could be demonstrated. No stomata were found in the peritoneum of the lateral abdominal wall. 5. Tumor cells were found in the stomata following the i.p. injection of ascites tumor cells. It is concluded that a lympho-hematogenous spread of tumor cells seems probable at least in the early stage of tumor infiltration of the peritoneum. This stage is followed by implantation of the tumor cells on the peritoneum.