Cationic radioisotope delivery to loose connective tissue in vivo using ion-exchange resin beads

Ion-exchange resin beads, implanted into connective tissue, were used as the vehicle for the delivery of radiolabelled cations to determine the local distribution of lead, silver and cadmium in loose connective tissue. The system was devoid of systemic toxicity, permitted a predictable release, enabled location of released cations in respect to the site of bead implantation, afforded safety and could be used with several other cations. The radiolabels released into the tissue formed an immediate relationship with inflammatory cells and a more protracted relationship with the matrix elements of the local connective tissue. The lesion induced by the presence of the bead was complicated by the particular cation.