Can macrophages cause obstruction to aqueous outflow in rabbits?

We describe a technique by which large numbers of peritoneal macrophages can be harvested without harming the experimental animal. The macrophages can be reintroduced into the same animal avoiding possible immune reactions associated with injection of foreign cells or other antigenic materials. In an attempt to obstruct aqueous outflow rabbit peritoneal macrophages engorged with mineral oil were injected intracamerally in the same rabbit's eye. The number of cells per single injection varied from 4.0 X 10(4) to 1.4 X 10(6) in eight rabbits. In three animals daily injections of 1 X 10(6) cells were performed. Using the Perkins applanation tonometer daily and hourly, no pressure elevation could be detected.