The effect of protein deficiency upon peritoneal healing and peritoneal wound contraction in the rat

Abstract

1. Adult rats were maintained on a protein-deficient diet for 6 weeks following which laparotomy was performed and peritoneal wounds of standard size were constructed,2. The diet resulted in a progressive weight loss and a fall in plasma protein. Tissue protein, expressed as percentage protein in dried voluntary muscle, did not fall significantly.3. Following laparotomy the rats were killed in groups on successive days and the peritoneal wounds were removed for measurement of area and for histological examination.4. There was no apparent difference between control and protein-deficient animals in the rate or extent of peritoneal wound contraction although there was histological evidence of delay of collagen formation in the protein-deficient animals. This supports the theory that collagen formation is not a function of wound contraction.