The influence of long-lasting implantation on the function of phagocytes towards staphylococci.

A mouse model of peritoneal staphylococcal infection in mice implanted with heparinized polyethylene (H-PE) was used in this study. The binding of staphylococci and fibronectin (Fn) to biomaterial surface was estimated in vitro and in vivo. The activity of phagocytes from the animals non-implanted or implanted for 7 days or 2 months with H-PE was determined on the basis of bactericidal activity, nitric oxide (NO) and Fn production.