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Inhibition of mesothelial cell growth and protein synthesis by heparin
M T Manalaysay1, K Kumano, T Hyodo
1Kidney Center, Kitasato University Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.
Abstract:
Heparin, routinely used in peritoneal dialysis, has been found to have various effects, mainly inhibitory. Its infusion into the peritoneal cavity may adversely affect mesothelial cell growth and regeneration. Thus we wished to determine if heparin inhibits mesothelial cell growth and is does-dependent. Rat mesothelial cells were incubated for 3 days and 6 days with 200, 100, 20, 2, and 0.5 U/mL of heparin. Cellular proliferation and protein synthesis were determined by liquid scintillation counting after 24-hour pulses with 3H-thymidine and 3H-leucine. Heparin at 2 and 0.5 U/mL had no significant effect on radionuclide uptake. At 100 U/mL heparin inhibited radionuclide uptake by at least 50%. These findings indicate that heparin in small concentrations may be harmless, but at higher concentrations is inhibitory to mesothelial cell growth and proliferation.
Insights
High concentrations of heparin can inhibit mesothelial cell growth and proliferation during peritoneal dialysis. Lower concentrations of heparin appear to be harmless to these cells.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Heparin is commonly used in peritoneal dialysis.
- Concerns exist regarding heparin's potential inhibitory effects on mesothelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if heparin inhibits mesothelial cell growth.
- To determine if this inhibition is dose-dependent.
Main Methods:
- Rat mesothelial cells were incubated with varying heparin concentrations (0.5–200 U/mL) for 3 and 6 days.
- Cellular proliferation and protein synthesis were measured using 3H-thymidine and 3H-leucine incorporation.
Main Results:
- Low heparin concentrations (0.5 and 2 U/mL) showed no significant impact on cell function.
- High heparin concentration (100 U/mL) resulted in at least a 50% inhibition of radionuclide uptake.
Conclusions:
- Heparin may be safe at low concentrations for mesothelial cells.
- Higher concentrations of heparin exhibit inhibitory effects on mesothelial cell growth and proliferation.