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Morphological and morphometric changes in mesothelial cells during peritoneal dialysis in the rabbit
N Di Paolo1, G Garosi, G Petrini
1Nephrology and Dialysis Department, Regional Hospital of Siena, Italy.
Nephron
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Peritoneal dialysis alters mesothelial cells, causing significant size increases and changes like hyperplasia or blocked cell division. Glucose in dialysis solutions appears to be the primary factor driving these mesothelial cell modifications.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a common treatment for kidney failure.
- Mesothelial cells lining the peritoneum are crucial for PD function.
- Changes in these cells can impact PD efficacy and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate morphometric and morphological changes in rabbit mesothelial cells during peritoneal dialysis.
- To identify the specific components of dialysis solutions responsible for these cellular alterations.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits underwent peritoneal dialysis using lactate and bicarbonate buffer solutions.
- Light and electron microscopy were used for morphometric and morphological analysis.
- Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies identified mesothelial cells and cytokeratins.
Main Results:
- Mesothelial cells showed significant increases in size, with some reaching over 200 microns.
- Two main changes observed: hyperplasia (up to 80 microns) and polynucleation (arrested cell division).
- Hyperplastic cells maintained normal structure; polynucleate cells had vacuoles and reduced cytoplasmic reticulum. Glucose concentration correlated with observed changes.
Conclusions:
- Glucose in peritoneal dialysis solutions acts as a bioincompatible agent.
- It induces mesothelial cell hyperplasia or blocks cell replication, altering the peritoneal membrane.
- These findings are critical for understanding and potentially mitigating PD-related peritoneal changes.