Reduction of adhesion formation by intraperitoneal administration of arg-gly-asp-containing peptides

Objective: To evaluate the ability of a variety of peptides containing the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence to reduce the formation of intraperitoneal adhesions in a rabbit model. Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. Setting: University-based laboratory. Animal(s): New Zealand white rabbits. Intervention(s): Administration of RGD-containing peptides. Main Outcome Measure(s): Reduction of adhesion information. Result(s): In initial studies, two RGD-containing peptides (3 or a 10 amino acid peptides) were administered via Alzet miniosmotic pump to the site of injury. Administration of either of these peptides significantly reduced adhesion formation, but the larger peptide was more efficacious and reduced variability in the response. Further studies then were conducted with RGD-containing peptides five to six amino acids in length. Administration of these peptides also significantly reduced adhesion formation in a standard rabbit model. Administration of three of these peptides in a viscous vehicle at the end of surgery was also effective in reducing adhesion formation. Conclusion(s): The most effective combination tested was RGD-containing peptide Gly-dser-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro in a viscous, cremophor-containing vehicle. These studies demonstrate that administration of an RGD-containing peptide was effective in reducing adhesion formation in this model.