Subcutaneous implantation of double velour Dacron into the mouse: infiltration and angiogenesis

An experimental system has been devised for the study of tissue reaction to the subcutaneous implantation of double velour Dacron into the mouse. Animals were given Dacron implants for 3 months, 2 months, 1 month, 3 weeks, 2 weeks and 1 week and the infiltration of the material was assessed using light-microscopy, autoradiography, electron-microscopy and angiography. It was found that the implants became extensively infiltrated with host cells, the response being at a peak in the second and third weeks post-implantation. Macrophages were seen from an early stage, fibroblasts were numerous, and new capillaries penetrated the material. The observations, especially the angiogenic response, are discussed with reference to published information on the actions of the cell types that were seen, in particular the macrophage.