Seprafilm (modified hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose) acts as a physical barrier.

Objective: To characterize the molecular changes that occur in normal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells as a result of exposure to modified hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose (Seprafilm).

Setting: University research laboratory.

Design: Human mesothelial and fibroblast cell culture.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to examine control and Seprafilm-treated normal peritoneal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells in culture for levels of messenger RNA from molecules known to be associated with adhesion development (transforming growth factor-beta 1, type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue plasminogen activator).

Result(s): Seprafilm treatment of normal peritoneal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts and mesothelial cells did not alter the expression of markers examined.

Conclusion(s): In the absence of a biological effect of Seprafilm on markers known to be involved in postoperative adhesion development, the ability of Seprafilm to reduce postoperative adhesions is most likely caused by its effect as a physical barrier.