[Characterization of immunological responses to bone and cartilage xenografts].

The immunological responses to subcutaneous bone and cartilage grafts were investigated in rats using phenol oxidase, a leukocyte labelling enzyme. The resulting development of granulomas reflects a cell-mediated immunological process and is proof of the immunogenicity of bone and cartilage. This method is a new criterium for the assessment of the biocompatibility of graft and implant materials.