Effects of leuprolide acetate on adhesion formation and wound healing in the rat model

Study Objective. To assess the effects of a hypoestrogenic state on adhesio n formation and reformation and on wound healing in the rat model. Design. Prospective, randomized study (Canadian Task Force classification I ). Subjects. Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats. Interventions. Rats were injected with gonadotropin-hormone releasing hormo ne (GnRH) agonist and control rats with normal saline. Two weeks later (day zero) laparotomy was performed to create adhesions and a full-thickness wo und on the flank. On day 14 the adhesions were scored and liberated. The ra ts were sacrificed on day 28 and adhesion reformation was evaluated. The wo und surface area was measured serially until complete closure. Measurements and Main Results. Mean adhesion scores on day 14 after adhesio n formation were not significantly different between GnRH agonist and contr ol groups. Preadhesiolysis and postadhesiolysis scores were not significant ly different. There was no significant difference in size of wounds between groups on days zero, 7, or 14. Conclusion. Administration of a GnRH agonist does not seem to influence pos toperative adhesion formation or wound healing in the rat model.