Reaction of the Rat Omentum to Injections of Particulate Matter

Abstract

Summary and Conclusions

The rat omentum, following the injection of particulate matter of various types, undergoes hypertrophy due to accumulation of histiocytes which are transformed into macrophages. The macrophages collect just beneath the surface and phagocytose the material which enters through and between the mesothelial cells. Secondary collections of macrophages appear about the smaller blood vessels and take up the particles which have traversed the vascular walls. The taches laiteuses increase in size and produce numerous macrophages.

With the advent of phagocytic activity the Golgi net increases in size and undergoes fragmentation. The fragments become associated with the ingested granules and apparently aid in bringing about their coalescence into masses which are stored by the cells. The changes found in the Golgi material never occur in cells which do not collect and store particulate matter.