Apparent reversion to trophism of a free omental graft: a preliminary report.

In a previous paper we reported evidence which suggested that a free omental graft has trophic characteristics similar to those of the chorionic epithelium of the early embryo, through which it establishes arteriolar or larger connections with aorta, heart and pericardium within 10 days after it has been placed in contact with the denuded surfaces of each structure. The theory of omental trophism was tested by dropping pieces of omentum completely detached into the pleural and peritoneal cavities of white rats. When examined 25 or more days later a percentage of omental grafts appeared healthy and were attached to pleura, lung, heart and to various structures in the peritoneal cavity. In the pleural grafts, histological sections revealed a continuity between the omental grafts and the sub-pleural tissues. A blood-hungry free omental graft appears to seek out its own blood supply. Neither pleura nor serosa was able to repel its primitive probing for a new blood supply.