Multidirectional approach to study peritoneal dialysis fluid biocompatibility in a chronic peritoneal dialysis model in the rat

Background. Peritoneal dialysis causes the functional and morphological cha nges in the peritoneum that result from the bioincompatibility of dialysis solutions. We present a model of chronic peritoneal dialysis in the rat tha t can be used for testing the biocompatibility of dialysis fluids. Methods and Results. Long-term exposure of the peritoneum to dialysis solut ions can be performed in rats with implanted peritoneal catheters. Sampling of the dialysate allows the evaluation of intraperitoneal inflammation by examining cell differential and dialysate cytokine levels. Peritoneal perme ability can be evaluated at designed time intervals with the peritoneal equ ilibration test (PET). At the end of dialysis, peritoneal histology is stud ied with light and electron microscopy. Conclusions. Such a multidirectional approach is an effective way to test b iocompatibility of dialysis solutions.