Effect of streptokinase in the prevention of intra-abdominal adhesions in the rat

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to assess the action of streptokinase, a streptococcal derivative with fibrinolytic capacity, in the prevention of intraperitoneal adhesions in rats. Eighty animals were divided into four groups of 20 each; group A (control) received isotonic saline by the intraperitoneal route, group B received streptokinase by the intraperitoneal route at the dose of 60.000 units/kg body weight diluted in 2 ml isotonic saline, group C received 60.000 streptokinase units diluted in 1 ml isotonic saline by the intravenous route, and group D received 30.000 streptokinase units in 2 ml isotonic saline by the intraperitoneal route and 30.000 streptokinase units diluted in 1 ml isotonic saline by the intravenous route. The animals were submitted at random to median laparotomy for the preparation of stitches inducing adhesions of the ischemic type according to the model of FERRAZ-NETO et al. (1991) modified, and sacrified with a lethal dose of sulfuric ether on the 3rd and 7th postoperative day. Streptokinase was found to be effective in the prevention of adhesions when used by the intraperitoneal route (p=0,0349) or when administered both intraperitoneal and intravenously (p=0,0073). Comparison of the 3rd and 7th posteperative day within the same group showed no significant difference, suggesting that the drug acts during the early period of the healing process. We conclude that streptokinase is effective in the prevention of adhesions formation when injected by the intraperitoneal route or by the combined intraperitoneal and intravenous routes at the dose employed in rats.

Two Experimental Models for Generating Abdominal Adhesions

“…We and others have previously observed that no additional adhesions develop after 7 d postoperation [7,8].…”

Peritoneostomy with latex coated polypropylene: experimental study in rats

“…In order to avoid adhesions, we can use liquids in peritoneal cavity or materials coating the prostheseis 14,21,22,23 . We decided for the use of a coating in the polypropylene prosthesis because the function of the adhesions is still controversial.…”

Effects of Streptokinase and Normal Saline on the Incidence of Intra-abdominal Adhesion 1 Week and 1 Month after Laparotomy in Rats

“…As a result, significant difference was found in the number of diagnosed adhesions between the two control groups and streptokinase group. [ 9 ]…”

“…To prevent the formation of adhesion bands following surgery, numerous materials have been studied, some of which are glucocorticoids, heparin, dextran 70, normal saline, antibiotics, promethazine, antihistamines, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, Lactated Ringer's solution, calcium channel inhibitors,[ 5 ] streptokinase as a fibrinolytic agent,[ 9 ] rofecoxib as the inhibitor of cyclooxygenase,[ 10 ] methyl blue,[ 11 ] and octreotide. [ 12 ]…”