Differently charged polypeptides in the prevention of post-surgical peritoneal adhesions.

Objective. Peritoneal adhesions develop after almost all surgical interventions in the abdomen. We have developed an efficient treatment against post-surgical adhesions consisting of a combination of positively charged poly-L-lysine and negatively charged poly-L-glutamate. The aim of the present study was to further develop the concept of applying oppositely charged polypeptides in the prevention of adhesion formation, by evaluating different doses of the peptides, alterations in the way of administration, and also testing alternative components. Material and methods. Eighty-five NMRI mice were divided into six groups. A standardized peritoneal injury model was used. The groups received physiologic sodium chlorine, poly-L-lysine+poly-L-glutamate, low molecular weight poly-L-lysine+poly-L-glutamate, locally administered poly-L-lysine+poly-L-glutamate, in vitro mixed poly-L-lysine+poly-L-glutamate and poly-L-arginine+poly-L-glutamate, respectively. After 7 days, the extent of adhesion formation was determin...