Tissue reaction after implantation and in situ polymerization of hydrophilic gel

The authors followed the tissue response of a new plastic tube composed of neutral hydrophilic gel, after implantation in the subcutis of rats. They further studied tissue reaction when gel rods were connected by polymerization in situ . After implantation, the gel tubes developed a fine encapsulation but no inflammatory response. The gel rods were connected “end to end” by means of a drop of the polymerizing mixture. The healing proceeded in the same manner with the exception that minute granules of macrocellular elements were formed in the ligament surrounding the polymerization mixture remnats. According to these results, the neutral hydrophilic gel has proved to be a suitable material for implantation.