EFFECTS OF A MINI-DOSE OF HEPARIN ON PERITONITIS IN RATS

Abstract

Sprague-Dawley rats with peritonitis treated with either a s.c. or i.p. minidose of heparin show a significant increase in survival time when compared with controls. In the treatment groups, adhesions and abscesses were less severe and localized to the area of gangrenous bowel. Heparin also significantly reduced the incidence of recovery of viable bacteria from the blood and peritoneal cavity. These findings may be related to a decreased deposition of fibrinogen within the abdomen or to the early mobilization of fibrin.