Collagen variation during experimental acute obstruction of the left colon.
OBJECTIVE
The colonic response to obstruction is poorly understood. Thickening of the proximal bowel following colonic stricture may be due to increased protein synthesis. We have investigated the colonic morphology and collagen concentration during the development of left-sided colonic obstruction in an animal model.


METHODS
Twelve male Wistar rats received either a silk ligature obstruction of the colon 2.5 cm above the peritoneal reflection (n = 6) or manipulation of the left colon (controls, n = 6). Twenty-four hours later, three colonic specimens from the ligature zone and from 1 cm proximal and distal to this site, or from equivalent regions in controls, were assayed for hydroxyproline concentration.


RESULTS
In controls there was no difference in hydroxyproline concentration between colonic sites. In obstructed rats, the hydroxyproline concentration was greater both at the ligature and distally, when compared with the proximal region. The hydroxyproline concentration was higher (p < 0.05) than corresponding control values at the ligature site (14.95 +/- 2.76 vs. 10.97 +/- 1.95 microgram/mg of dry tissue mean +/- s.d.) but not on either side.


CONCLUSIONS
The colonic collagen concentration is equivalent or raised near an obstruction, demonstrating that obstructed colon may possess an enhanced capacity to hold sutures.
Aguilar-Nascimento
J E
JE
Department of Surgery, University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Brazil. aguilar@nutecnet.com.br
Mathie
R T
RT
Man
W K
WK
Williamson
R C
RC
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis*; D003106:Colon / Q000737:chemistry*; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D003094:Collagen