Influence of phosphatidylcholine on intra-abdominal adhesion formation and peritoneal macrophages.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the predominant constituent of the surface-active material coating peritoneal mesothelium. Its effects on surgically induced adhesion formation and on peritoneal macrophage viability and superoxide production were studied in rats. Rats treated with intraperitoneal PC liposomes showed more adhesions than controls (p less than 0.01). In vitro incubation with PC had no effect on macrophage viability, but significantly diminished superoxide production (p less than 0.05 and less). It is concluded that PC in its insoluble form is of no value in the prophylaxis of adhesions after abdominal and pelvic surgery and that with the use of the intraperitoneal route it is probably contraindicated in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.