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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Creation of Abdominal Adhesions in Mice
Published on: August 27, 2016
Development of peritoneal adhesions in macrophage depleted mice
Sandra H Burnett1, Bo J Beus, Rita Avdiushko
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA.
Background:
We present a new mouse model for the study of peritoneal adhesions using macrophage Fas-induced apoptosis (Mafia) transgenic mice expressing a Fas-FKBP construct under control of the murine c-fms promoter. Mafia mice allow systemic macrophage depletion by dimerization of Fas with a synthetic dimerizer, AP20187. Results demonstrate that macrophage depletion in Mafia mice induces peritoneal adhesion formation when the peritoneal cavity is also exposed to an irritant. The Mafia mouse model presents a reproducible, non-surgical approach for research in adhesion formation and prevention.
Materials And Methods:
Mafia mice were treated with AP20187 using an intravenous (i.v.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Control groups included mock-treated Mafia mice and both AP20187 and mock-treated wild type mice. Seven days after treatment, mice were observed for the presence of adhesions.
Results:
After i.p. injection with AP20187, 76% of Mafia mice developed adhesions whereas none of the mock-treated Mafia or wild-type mice developed adhesions, and only one AP20187-treated wild-type mouse (5.8%) developed a mild adhesion. Mafia mice treated with AP20187 i.v. exhibited macrophage depletion not significantly different than i.p. treated mice, but did not develop adhesions. In contrast, Mafia mice treated with AP20187 i.v. developed adhesions when diluent was also injected into the peritoneal cavity, whereas i.p diluent alone had no effect.
Conclusion:
Macrophage depletion, combined with a peritoneal irritant, results in peritoneal adhesion formation in transgenic Mafia mice. Macrophages appear to play a protective role in the development and/or repair of peritoneal adhesions.
Insights
Macrophage depletion in a new transgenic mouse model (Mafia) combined with a peritoneal irritant causes adhesion formation. Macrophages may protect against peritoneal adhesions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Peritoneal adhesions are a significant postsurgical complication.
- Existing research models have limitations in reproducibility and invasiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel, non-surgical mouse model for studying peritoneal adhesions.
- To investigate the role of macrophages in peritoneal adhesion formation using the new model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized macrophage Fas-induced apoptosis (Mafia) transgenic mice.
- Administered AP20187 to induce systemic macrophage depletion.
- Introduced a peritoneal irritant alongside macrophage depletion.
- Observed for adhesion formation post-treatment.
Main Results:
- 76% of Mafia mice treated with AP20187 intraperitoneally developed adhesions.
- Macrophage depletion alone or in wild-type mice did not induce significant adhesion.
- Intravenous AP20187 treatment combined with peritoneal insult induced adhesions.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage depletion, when combined with a peritoneal irritant, leads to peritoneal adhesion formation in Mafia mice.
- Macrophages appear to have a protective role in peritoneal adhesion development or repair.
