A topographical study of increased vascular permeability in acute inflammatory reaction in the chicken skin.

An inflammatory reaction was produced in the skin of the chicken by various stimuli. Then the colloidal carbon technique was used to identify vessels showing an increased permeability. The type of vessel affected, the extent and duration of reaction after each procedure were compared. Intradermal histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and bradykinin caused extensive but transient carbon labelling which was confined to venules. Topical application of xylol produced a more persistent delineation of venules. Intradermal turpentine and carrageenin affected extensive and restricted portions, respectively, of venules, and to a lesser extent capillaries. Following thermal injury of 65 degrees C for 30 sec, the superficial capillary network was initially involved but the venular response persisted for up to 18 h. These findings are compared and contrasted with those reported in laboratory animals. The possibility of distinction between direct vascular injury and chemical mediation is discussed.