Intraabdominal granuloma reaction in rats after introduction of maize-starch powder.

A total of 32 Wistar rats were given 1, 10, 100 and 1000 mg glove powder (Biosorb) intraperitoneally for 4, 11, 18 or 25 days. Four control rats received physiological saline. Examination of the abdominal cavity displayed granulomatous inflammation which was clearly dose-dependent in the experimental animal, but not in the controls. A biphasic time-sequence of the granulomatous reaction was observed in those rats receiving 100 and 1000 mg Biosorb with a minimum at day 18. The mean size of the granules (8.1 microns) within the inflammatory tissue was almost identical with the size of powder granules found on the external surface of the gloves (8.8 microns). X-ray microanalysis demonstrated maize-starch additives of magnesium and aluminium. The study indicates a foreign body reaction to maize-starch. In addition, immunological factors may play a role later in the development of the disease.