CHRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF IRON DEXTRAN INTO THE PERITONEAL-CAVITY OF RATS

Objective: To determine the influence of chronic iron dextran administ rations into the peritoneal cavity of rats on function and anatomy of the peritoneal membrane, as well as on erythropoiesis and serum iron. Design: Prospective randomized animal study. Setting: Animal laborator y. Animals: 36 Sprague-Dawley rats. Interventions: The rats were divid ed into three groups (n = 12). The animals were given standard 1.5% Di aneal (control group) or 1.5% Dianeal containing iron dextran in a con centration of 2 mg/L [low-dose group (LDG)] or 10 mg/L [high-dose grou p (HDG)]. Main outcome measures: On the 8th day, at 3 months, and at 6 months a 2-hour peritoneal equilibration test (PET) and blood tests i ncluding hematocrit, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC ) were done. After the final PET at 6 months, the peritoneal membrane was evaluated by gross inspection and by light microscopy. Results: He matocrit and serum iron levels increased only in the HDG and LDG. Peri toneal transport of small solutes decreased significantly in the HDG c ompared to baseline. All cases of the HDG group revealed peritoneal ad hesions and fibrosis around the peritoneal catheter as well as massive iron deposits on the peritoneum. Similar but less pronounced changes were found in the LDG. Conclusions: These findings suggest an efficien t absorption of iron from the peritoneal cavity of rats, however, dial ysate iron dextran concentrations of 2 mg/L or greater are toxic to th e peritoneal membrane. Therefore, future studies should be performed t o determine the minimal effective and nontoxic iron dextran concentrat ions for intraperitoneal administration.