Pharmacological control of surgical scar tissue.

Pharmacological control of unwanted scar tissue theoretically is possible in human beings and has been proven to be practical and effective treatment in laboratory animals. The most advanced research involves prevention of the development of helical structure and transport of collagen by administration of proline analogues and controlled induction of lathyrism by administration of Beta-aminopropionitrile. The toxicity of proline analogues has prevented human testing; BAPN presently is being tested or has been tested in patients with scleroderma, flexor tendon adhesions, posterior urethral strictures, and surface keloids. At this time, highly purified BAPN appears generally non-toxic and is capable of exerting a higly selective and significant lathyrogenic effect on the healing wound. The combination of BAPN and other drugs, such as Colchicine, which increases collagenolytic activity, probably will make safe control of clinical properties of scar tissue possible within the next 24 months.