Tissue Reactions Induced by Solid Proteins

Abstract

1) Egg white, egg albumin, globulin, casein and gelatin were inserted into the subcutis of albino rats for the study of histological reactions to foreign solid proteins. The reactions were investigated from 2 hours to 7 days after insertion of each protein by fixed and stained specimens. 2) No fundemental differences were found in the reactions to each protein, although differences in the degree of intensity existed. 3) Both liquid and solid proteins were phagocytized by migrated cells with some differences of digestibility. Gelatin was most easily digested, globulin was difficult to digest and the other three kinds of protein were moderately digestible. 4) The reactions were mildest in the case of egg white and strongest in the case of globulin. Vascular dilatation, migration and phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages, migration and proliferation of fibroblasts and production of collagenous fibers were observed. Migration of lymphocytes and plasma cells was almost negligible. 5) Swelling of endothelial cells was found in the case of globulin and egg white, especially in the former. 6) Giant cells of the foreign body type were found only in the case of egg white. 7) The activity of proteinase was strongly positive in granulation tissue. In polymorphs, it was positive in alkaline medium, and in macrophages, in both media.