Reaction of rat tissues to implantation of lactic acid-based biodegradable polymer.

Polylactide degradation processes after its implantation into the subcutaneous fat of rats were studied by microscopy. After implantation polylactide was encapsulated in connective tissue. If a fragment of polylactide had sharp edges, injuring the tissue, a thick capsule formed with pronounced inflammatory infiltration and sclerosis of adjacent tissues. If the implant had no sharp edges, the capsule was thin and the level of inflammation the minimum. Foreign body giant cells were found in the capsule and near it in all cases. The activity of the inflammatory process gradually reduced over 6 months. The intensity of inflammation sharply increased by the 12th month after implantation, when activity of phagocyte enzyme and deformation by the capsule led to fragmentation or liquefaction of polylactide.