Immunologic consequences of formaldehyde fixation of autologous tissue implants

Abstract Standardized specimens of young, autologous connective tissue were implanted in rabbits. The changes occurring in the implants were followed, and the reactions of the draining lymph nodes were studied by using light microscopy and immunofluorescence techniques. the use of formaldehyde fixation for therapeutic purposes. With the aid of the immunofluorescence technique, an investigation also was carried out to determine whether antibodies against constituent parts of the implants could be detected in the rabbit serum. It was concluded that formaldehyde-fixed autologous tissue produces an immune response predominantly of the cell-mediated type. The results of the investigation form an argument against