Serum protein analysis following implantation of methyl methacrylate in rats.

Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley white rats were implanted with methyl methacrylate and bone wax in a 1:1 ratio. At periods of 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 days-post-implantation arterial blood samples were drawn and the serum protein separated electrophoretically. A significant depression in the alpha 1 and alpha 2 fractions of the methacrylate animals was demonstrated as was a significant increase in the beta fraction of the 3 day group. There was a sustained depression of the alpha 1 fraction in the methacrylate animals in a 3 day and a 5 day time period. It is not felt, however, that this is indicative of a mechanism for the diverse phenomena that have been described secondary to implantation of methyl methacrylate.