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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Evaluation of a Reliable Biomarker in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Mouse Model of Sepsis
Published on: December 9, 2022
[Inhibition of abdominal abscess formation in rat: mortality by sepsis]
Fernando Henrique Oliveira Carmo Rodrigues1, Bruno Gustavo Muzzi Carvalho E Carneiro, Renata Figueiredo Rocha
1Hospital Alberto Cavalcanti.
Background:
Intra-abdominal abscesses and adhesions play important roles on isolation of a septic process and on organism protection against bacteremia. On the other hand, such phenomenon difficults the afflux of immune factors and antibiotics to the septic site. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of abscess inhibition on survival of abdominal sepsis.
Methods:
Thirty adult Wistar rats were submitted to intraperitoneal injection of 50% rat feces solution. The animals were divided into three groups (n = 10). Group 1: control - feces solution; group 2: feces solution plus 0.9% saline solution; and group 3: feces solution plus 1% carboxymethylcellulose to inhibit abdominal adhesions. The three groups were divided into two subgroups (n = 5). Subgroup A: relaparorotomy after 4 days and investigation of the abdominal cavity; and subgroup B: follow-up during 30 days to evaluate the mortality and its cause. The Fisher test was utilized for statistical analyses.
Results:
The injection of 0.9% saline solution did not increase the mortality of the rats. However, the mortality enhanced in the group that received carboxymethylcellulose comparing with control group. That group developed less adhesions and abscesses.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrated that the reduction of abscess formation and of intraperitoneal adhesions increases the mortality due to abdominal septic disease.
Insights
Inhibiting intra-abdominal abscesses and adhesions in rats with carboxymethylcellulose surprisingly increased mortality from abdominal sepsis. Reduced adhesions led to higher death rates, challenging previous assumptions about infection control.
Area of Science:
- Surgical pathology
- Infectious disease research
- Animal models in medicine
Background:
- Intra-abdominal abscesses and adhesions can isolate septic processes but hinder immune and antibiotic access.
- Understanding the dual role of these phenomena is crucial for managing abdominal sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of inhibiting intra-abdominal abscess and adhesion formation on the survival rates in a rat model of abdominal sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats received an intraperitoneal injection of a fecal solution to induce sepsis.
- Groups were treated with saline solution or carboxymethylcellulose to inhibit adhesions.
- Animals were monitored for mortality over 30 days, with subgroups undergoing exploratory laparotomy at 4 days.
Main Results:
- Carboxymethylcellulose treatment, which reduced adhesions and abscesses, was associated with increased mortality compared to controls.
- Saline solution did not significantly alter mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- Reducing intra-abdominal abscess formation and adhesions paradoxically increases mortality in experimental abdominal sepsis.
- These findings suggest a protective role for adhesions and abscesses in containing sepsis.
