Cannulated teflon chamber implant in the rat: a new model for continuous studies on granulomatous inflammation

A granulomatous inflammation model is described. It is a modification of the cannulated sponge method and consists of a subdermally implanted teflon cylinder in the rat. This 'chamber' is cannulated and provided with holes to ensure contact and exchange of materials between the inner chamber and the surrounding tissues. The cannulae are exterioized at the back of the neck and allow materials to be injected and exudate to be collected at any given time during the development of granulomatous tissue around the chamber. Some parameters of this inflammation, such as exudation, granuloma growth, cellular infiltration in exudate, and the formation of prostaglandins were studied, and a comparison was made with the sponge implant model. The value of the chamber method is illustrated by brief reference to a study on the metabolism of 14C-arachidonic acid during granulomatous inflammation.