The effect of mitomycin C in reducing intraarticular adhesion after knee surgery in rabbits

Mitomycin C (MMC) is known to inhibit fibroblast proliferation through suppressing DNA dependent RNA synthesis. Based on this knowledge, we illustrated the effect of MMC on inhibiting fibroblast collagen synthesis and reducing intraarticular fibrous adhesion in a rabbit model. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Approximately 10 × 10 mm squares of the cortical bone was removed from both sides of the femoral condyle, and the underneath cancellous bone was exposed. MMC in various concentrations or saline were then applied to the decorticated areas. The intraarticular adhesions were evaluated after four weeks by macroscopic evaluation, histological evaluation and biochemical analysis of hydroxyproline content. The results demonstrated that MMC could suppress the formation of intraarticular fibrous adhesion in a dose-dependent manner. The intraarticular adhesion score, the hydroxyproline content and the fibroblast number in 0.1 mg/ml MMC group were significantly less than those in 0.05 mg/ml MMC group, 0.01 mg/ml MMC group and control group. However, dense adhesions were found in 0.01 mg/ml MMC group and control group. These results indicated that topical application of 0.1 mg/ml MMC could reduce intraarticular adhesion through inhibiting fibroblast proliferation in rabbits.