Hemolysis associated with plastics—A histopathologic study with polyurethane

Polyurethane implanted subcutaneously in mice and rats is accompanied by a chronic granulomatous reaction in which there is an excessive amount of hemosiderin. Preceding the occurrence of hemosiderin, many erythrocytes are present, some of which are partially creatinated. Hemosiderin apparently results from the lysis of these red cells. It is suggested that this infiltration of erythrocytes and subsequent hemolysis may result from a positive charge associated with this plastic, attracting the negative charged blood cells. A similar reaction occurs with fragments of nylon and Teflon. There is no significant number of erythrocytes or hemosiderin, however, associated with the inflammatory reaction accompanying carbon black, glass beads, resin or Fuller's earth.