Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Creation of Abdominal Adhesions in Mice
Published on: August 27, 2016
Fucoidan film safely inhibits surgical adhesions in a rat model
Johanne D Cashman1, Erin Kennah, Aaron Shuto
1ARC Pharmaceuticals Inc., Vancouver, Canada. jcashman@telus.net
Background:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of 13 compounds and to further characterize the load limiting and potential toxicity of the most efficacious compound. The cascade of biochemical and molecular events that results in the formation of postsurgical adhesions provides numerous theoretical opportunities for prophylactic intervention.
Methods:
Candidate agents were loaded into sodium hyaluronate (HA) films and administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats using a cecal-sidewall model of surgical adhesions. An adhesion score was obtained for each rat based on the strength and extent of the adhesions. The most efficacious agent, fucoidan, was further evaluated in a load-limiting study with a concentration range of 0.0033 to 33% w/w per film. The potential toxicity of fucoidan was evaluated in a separate study by comparison of hematology findings, blood chemistry, urinalysis, and incision thickness from rats administered control films or 33% w/w fucoidan films 1 to 4 d prior to sacrifice.
Results:
Fucoidan loaded films reduced adhesion scores by approximately 90% compared with control films (P<0.05). A total of 50% to 100% of animals were adhesion free at fucoidan film loadings of 0.33% to 33% w/w compared with all control film animals having adhesions. No adverse effects were observed from 33% w/w fucoidan films equivalent to approximately 30 mg fucoidan/kg body weight.
Conclusions:
Local administration of fucoidan film during rat cecal-sidewall surgery safely reduced adhesion scores by approximately 90% and resulted in 50% to 100% of animals being adhesion free.
Insights
Fucoidan films effectively prevented postsurgical adhesions in rats, reducing adhesion scores by 90% with no observed toxicity. This study highlights fucoidan as a promising agent for preventing surgical adhesions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Postsurgical adhesions are a common complication following abdominal surgery.
- Adhesion formation involves a complex cascade of molecular and biochemical events.
- Targeting these events offers opportunities for prophylactic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of 13 compounds for preventing postsurgical adhesions.
- To characterize the load-limiting properties of the most effective compound.
- To assess the potential toxicity of the lead compound.
Main Methods:
- Candidate agents were incorporated into sodium hyaluronate (HA) films.
- Films were tested in a rat cecal-sidewall model of surgical adhesions.
- Efficacy, load-limiting effects, and toxicity of fucoidan were assessed.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan-loaded films reduced adhesion scores by approximately 90% (P<0.05).
- 50% to 100% of animals treated with fucoidan films were adhesion-free.
- No adverse effects were observed at fucoidan concentrations up to 33% w/w.
Conclusions:
- Local administration of fucoidan film is a safe and effective method for reducing postsurgical adhesions.
- Fucoidan demonstrates significant potential as a prophylactic agent against adhesion formation.
- The study supports fucoidan's use in preventing surgical adhesions in a clinical setting.
