An experimental sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis model in mice

Background. Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a life-threatenin g complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. To elucidate t he mechanism and develop treatments for this condition, an experimental SEP model in mice was constructed. Methods. C57BL/6 mice were administered 0.3 mi of 0.1%, chlorhexidine gluco nate and 15% ethanol dissolved in saline, intraperitoneally, on a daily bas is for 56 days (group 1, n = 15). A control group of C57BL/6 mice were admi nistered 0.3 mi of phosphate-buffered saline only in the same manner (group 2, n=15). The mice were sacrificed on days 3, 7, 21, 56 and were prepared for histological analysis. Results. In group I, all mice had developed macroscopic evidence of SEP 56 days after the injection. Microscopically we observed peritoneal fibrosis a nd an increase in infiltrates of mononuclear cells over time. The peritonea l fibrosis reached the chronic inflammatory stage by 56 days after the inje ction. Conclusion. We have developed a convenient experimental model of SEP in mic e, which may be useful in elucidating the pathogenesis of SEP and in establ ishing possible treatments.