Formation of granulation tissue in intra-abdominal viscose cellulose sponges. An experimental study in rats

Formation of intra-abdominal granulation tissue was studied in 32 rats 2, 4, 7 or 21 days after implantation of viscose cellulose sponges. The concentrations of DNA, RNA-ribose, uronic acids, hexosamines, nitrogen and collagen were then measured in the sponges. The rats' body weight fell by 10-15% in the first week, but was regained within 3 weeks. The sponges induced dense intra-abdominal adhesions, reflected in highly active connective tissue formation. This process seemed analogous to that seen in granuloma formation in subcutaneous tissue or wound healing, but the synthesis of macromolecules was especially pronounced in the peritoneal cavity. The experimental model offers a new means for studying intra-abdominal adhesions and permits evaluation of factors claimed to have stimulating, inhibiting or no effect on intra-abdominal adhesion formation.