Fluid and penicillin G dynamics in polyethylene chambers implanted subcutaneously in rabbits.

Chemical and cellular characteristics of fluid within subcutaneously implanted polyethylene chambers in rabbits were studied over a 3-month period. The fluid attained a relatively stable protein and cellular composition which was consistent with a mononuclear exudate. After a single dose of intramuscular penicillin G, the antibacterial activity of chamber fluid was found to be dynamic and similar to the serum antibacterial activity. This animal model may be useful for in vivo studies of the interaction of microorganisms with antimicrobial agents.