EXPERIMENTAL-MODELS IN PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS - A EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE

Background. The development of adequate animal models is important for the in vivo study of selected aspects of peritoneal dialysis (PD) tha t cannot be evaluated by an in vitro model, such as peritoneal membran e transport, the influence of local defense mechanisms, and for testin g new osmotic agents and their bio-compatibilities. Methods. Our exper ience with animal models for PD, including the acute Stockholm model i n non-uremic rats, the acute and chronic Amsterdam model in non-uremic rats, and the chronic Gent model in uremic rats, is described. Result s. The Stockholm model proved to be useful in understanding the normal physiology of peritoneal transport, and for testing new dialysis solu tions and their biocompatibilities. It is a rather simple and inexpens ive model, and thus is suitable for screening new solutions and additi ves. The Amsterdam model permits the study of chemokines and mesotheli al cell regeneration in vivo, and is applied in a model of chronic per itonitis. The results of the Gent model suggest that chronic peritonea l dialysis in uremic rats is feasible for at least eight weeks. This m odel is, however, very laborious, time consuming, and expensive. Concl usion. Further improvement of the technique and increase of the dialys is dose should result in a better and more realistic model for periton eal dialysis. It is hoped that in the future these models will be usef ul to lest the effects of long-term intraperitoneal application of dif ferent dialysis solutions and additives in uremic animals.