The granuloma pouch: an in vivo model for pharmacokinetic and chemotherapeutic investigations. I. Biochemical and histological characterization.

The "granuloma pouch" model in rats was evaluated on the basis of biochemical, haematological and histological factors. Seven days after formation of the pouch following the intramuscular injection of air and a mixture of 1% croton oil in olive oil as an irritant, the pouch was filled by approximately 5 ml of haemorrhagic exudate. Biochemical assessment of the exudate revealed that its main characteristics were increased lactate dehydrogenase levels as well as increased alpha 2- and gamma-globulin fractions. Histological sections of the surrounding tissue showed a typical granulomatous inflammatory response. The granuloma pouch can therefore be characterized as a local, chronic inflammation caused by the creation of a body cavity. The biochemical data of the pouch exudate were compared with those of human wound fluid obtained after surgery; since the values were in very good agreement, it is assumed that the granuloma pouch model reflects the clinical situation in inflamed wound cavities following the extirpation of organs.