The effects of intraperitoneal n-acetylcycteine on intra-abdominal adhesion formation in rats

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to investigate efficacy of N-acetylcycteine (NAC) in preventing intra-abdominal adhesions performed experimentally in rats. METHODS: Twenty male rats of Wistar -Albino species (250-350 gr) were divided into two groups for the study. Caecum and peritoneal surface in both groups were abrased with using dry sponge during laparotomy. First group was closed and second group receiwed NAC (300 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and then the incision was closed. After seven days, all the animals were reoperated. Firstly, the adhesions were classified macroscopically according to intensity from 0 to 3 (0: no adhesion, 1: localized band easily detachable, 2: localized band hardly detachable, 3: diffuse adhesion). Then pathological samples were stained using hematoxylin-eosin, and examined under the light microscope for histological scoring to determine the homogenity of the pre-formed damage. RESULTS: In histopathological tissue analysis of both groups; there were no significant differences (P=0.353). The macroscopic adhesion score was determined to be significantly lower in NAC administered rats than the control group (P=0.001). While Grade 1 adhesion was detected in three rats in the NAC group, no macroscopic adhesion development was observed in in damaged areas in remaining seven rats (Grade 0). However, macroscopic adhesion was observed in all rats in the control group. One of those rats had Grade 1 adhesion, whereas nine rats had Grade 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal NAC administration in rat model may be effective to prevent postoperative adhesions.