Induction of cell infiltration and acid hydrolase release into the peritoneal cavity of mice.

An injection of thioglycollate into the peritoneal cavity of mice produced a peak of exudate at 4 h, a peak of total leukocytes at 24 h when the predominant cell was the polymorphonuclear neutrophil, and a secondard macrophage phase beginning 2--3 days after thioglycollate. The release of N-acetylglucosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.30) into the peritoneal fluid paralleled the macrophage phase. The amount of enzyme released was related to the dose of thioglycollate. Neither zymosan (400 micrograms) nor endotoxin (30 micrograms) produced a marked inflammatory response when injected into the peritoneal cavity.