Chymase inhibitors may prevent postoperative adhesion formation.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the role of chymase produced from mast cells in adhesion formation, we measured chymase activity level and investigated the preventive effect of a chymase inhibitor, Suc-Val-Pro-Phe(p)(OPh)(2), on the postoperative adhesion formation.


METHODS
Prospective randomized study using a surgical model for adhesion formation.


METHODS
Clean hamsters in an academic research environment.


METHODS
Sixty-seven female Syrian hamsters.


METHODS
Hamsters were given a lesion, produced by uterus scraping, and the chymase inhibitor (10 microM) or placebo was injected into the abdomen. Chymase activities in uteri were measured 3 days after the operation, and the scores of adhesion formations were assessed at 2 weeks.


METHODS
Measurement of chymase activity and scoring of adhesion formation were performed.


RESULTS
A significant increase of chymase activity in the injured uterus reduced by treatment with the chymase inhibitor. The scores of adhesion formations in the chymase inhibitor-treated group were significantly decreased in comparison with those in the placebo-treated group.


CONCLUSIONS
Chymase contained in mast cells plays an important role in adhesion formation, and a chymase inhibitor may be a useful drug for prevention of adhesion formation.
Okamoto
Yukiko
Y
Department of Pharmacology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki City, Osaka, Japan.
Takai
Shinji
S
Yamada
Mayumi
M
Miyazaki
Mizuo
M
D000818:Animals; D053818:Chymases; D006224:Cricetinae; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D008647:Mesocricetus; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014599:Uterus / Q000201:enzymology / Q000601:surgery*
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009842:Oligopeptides; C102024:succinyl-valyl-prolyl-phenylalanyl-diphenylphosphonate; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; D053818:Chymases