The effect of protein deficiency upon peritoneal healing and peritoneal wound contraction in the rat

Abstract

1. Adult rats were maintained on a protein-deficient diet for 6 weeks following which laparotomy was performed and peritoneal wounds of standard size were constructed,2. The diet resulted in a progressive weight loss and a fall in plasma protein. Tissue protein, expressed as percentage protein in dried voluntary muscle, did not fall significantly.3. Following laparotomy the rats were killed in groups on successive days and the peritoneal wounds were removed for measurement of area and for histological examination.4. There was no apparent difference between control and protein-deficient animals in the rate or extent of peritoneal wound contraction although there was histological evidence of delay of collagen formation in the protein-deficient animals. This supports the theory that collagen formation is not a function of wound contraction.

Jaundice and wound healing: An experimental study

“…Clinical studies must therefore take into account the complex picture which is often associated with severe obstructive jaundice. In the experimental animal it is possible to dissect out each of these factors individually, and we have previously shown in this laboratory that malignant disease (Stewart, 1973), protein deficiency (Mott et al, 1969), infection, both distant and local (De Haan et al, 1974), anduraemia (Mott andEllis, 1967), all in isolation, profoundly affect wound healing. We have not ourselves investigated the effects of anaemia.…”

The Effect of Malignant Disease on Peritoneal Healing in the Rat

“…Failure of the peritoneum to heal is an important prerequisite of the rupture of any laparotomy incision. Of relevance to patients with advanced malignant disease, it has been demonsstrated that protein deficiency (Mott et al, 1969), uraemia (Mott and Ellis, 1967), vitamin C deficiency (Ellis et al, 1965), and local x-ray therapy (Venables et al, 1967) impaired the fibroblastic proliferation in peritoneal defects and the subsequent healing process. However, cytotoxic drugs administered within the therapeutic range had no overall effect on the rate or quality of the healing of such defects (Gordon et al, 1967).…”