Observations on the pathogenesis of peritoneal adhesions: a light and electron microscopical study

Abstract

Abstract Observations have been made by light and electron microscopy of the development of peritoneal adhesions in the rat following abdominal surgery. Essentially the changes which occurred were those which are seen in healing by fibrosis, except that in many areas of adhesions numerous eosinophils were observed by electron microscopy. In areas where eosinophils were numerous little proliferation of fibro-blasts was seen. Conversely in sites where fibroplasia and collagen formation were well advanced no eosinophils were seen. The role of the eosinophil in the development of adhesions is discussed and it is suggested that the presence of eosinophiis with their associated anti-histamine activity may hold in check the proliferation of fibroblasts while a new mesothelium is formed and thus prevent adhesion formation.