[Phagocytosis and transport of injected teflon paste. An animal experiment study]

Submucosal injections of teflon paste (suspension of teflon in glycerin) are used for therapy of ENT diseases. Little is known about the fate of the injected teflon particles. Is teflon phagocytosed and removed? Teflon paste was injected into the peritoneum of mice. After 48 days, we have found many teflon particles in peritoneal macrophages, in microphages and macrophages of regional lymph nodes and the spleen, and in Kupffer cells of the liver. We assume that phagocytosis and removal of the injected teflon particles occur in the patient, too. The particles are indigestible and, therefore, may block the phagocytic system. Phagocytes containing teflon induce local inflammation and fibrosis. Conclusive information about late effects is not available.