REACTION OF RABBIT LATERAL PERIVENTRICULAR TISSUE TO NONINFECTED AND INFECTED (STAPHYLOCOCCUS-EPIDERMIDIS) SHUNT TUBING IMPLANTS - A LIGHT AND TRANSMISSION ELECTRON-MICROSCOPE STUDY

The reactions of periventricular tissue of the lateral ventricle to no n-infected and infected (Staphylococcus Epidermidis) silicone shunt tu bing were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. It w as shown that reactive changes occurred in periventricular tissue in r esponse to the implant of sterile shunt tubing. On the other hand in i nfected implanted silicone shunt tubing, proliferation of inflammatory cells within the ventricle and periventricular tissue, loss of integr ity of the ependyma, glial cell proliferation, and excessive extracell ular oedema were demonstrated. Proliferation of ependymal cells combin ed with inflammatory responses may be a factor in the pathogenesis of infected shunt obstruction.