Rat models in peritoneal dialysis.
BACKGROUND
It is widely accepted that the currently used dialysis solutions are not biocompatible with the peritoneal membrane. Therefore, animal studies have been performed to study different aspects of peritoneal dialysis. However, representative models mimicking the human situation are not yet available.


METHODS
The effect of a single injection of peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid on the cellular composition was studied. Thereafter, the effect of a single injection of PD fluid on bacterial clearing was tested over time. Finally, an in vivo rat model was established to study the effects of long-term exposure to PD fluid on the peritoneal membrane and the local host defence (peritoneal cells).


RESULTS
In the rat model, long-term daily exposure is possible. The 'drop-out' after 9-10 weeks on the most commonly used PD fluid Dianeal 3.86%, however, is approximately 50% due to omental wrapping. In the remaining study group, large differences were observed (as compared with controls), especially with respect to morphological parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
The rat peritoneal continuous exposure model seems to have potential for intervention studies, since it uses no additions, no antibiotics and no omentomectomy, and gives continuous long-term exposure to PD fluid. However, problems still remain: 'drop-out' is quite often seen and this non-uraemic exposure model does not totally mimic the situation present in continuous ambulatory PD patients.
Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
R H
RH
Beelen
L H
LH
Hekking
M
M
Zareie
J
J
van den Born
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D015314:Dialysis Solutions / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D008566:Membranes / Q000187:drug effects; D009852:Omentum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015314:Dialysis Solutions