Animal Models in Peritoneal Dialysis Research: A Need for Consensus

Abstract

The development of an adequate animal model for peritoneal research remains an object of concern. In vivo peritoneal dialysis (PD) research is hampered by the large variety of available models that make interpretation of results and comparison of studies very difficult. Species and strain of experimental animals, method of peritoneal access, study duration, measures of solute transport and ultrafiltration, and sampling for histology differ substantially among the various research groups. A collective effort to discuss the shortcomings and merits of the different experimental models may lead to a consensus on a standardized animal model of PD.

Compare the effects of intravenous and intraperitoneal mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on ultrafiltration failure in a rat model of chronic peritoneal dialysis

“…Peritoneal UFF was induced by daily 20 mL 3.86% glucose PD solution (Dianeal 3.86%; Eczacibasi-Baxter Healthcare, Istanbul, Turkey), as previously described. 25,27…”

A New Non-Uremic Rat Model of Long-Term Peritoneal Dialysis

“…An ideal animal model can adequately simulate the process of PD in humans and provide information on the structure and physiology of peritoneal membrane, as well as on the process of peritoneal dialysis, pathophysiology of peritoneal transport, structural changes and local peritoneal defense mechanisms (McIntyre et al 2007). However, there is still no consensus on the ideal experimental model for studying peritoneal dialysis, especially for long-term peritoneal dialysis (Topley et al 2005, Gonzalez-Mateo et al 2008, Mortier et al 2005.…”

“…60 Zareie et al 2005, De Vriese et al 2006, Boulanger et al 2007, Kihm et al 2008. In addition, there are still some important technical problems, such as catheter obstruction and high incidence of peritonitis, which can cause structural and functional changes of peritoneal barrier in animal models (Mortier et al 2005, Flessner et al 2007. To solve these technical problems, we established a novel rat model with a modified catheter insertion method, which would be more practical, easy to operate, not too expensive and which would facilitate the investigation of long-term effects of PD.…”

Animal models in peritoneal dialysis

“…In the acute model the animal is anesthetized, a temporary catheter is inserted in the peritoneal cavity and during a 4-h dwell samplings of the peritoneal fluid and blood are obtained (Lameire et al, 1998 ). In the chronic model, on the other hand, three are the most common methods used (Mortier et al, 2005 ). The first method includes the direct blind injection of the dialysate into the peritoneal cavity with or without anesthesia.…”

“…On one hand the omentum is considered to be an important immune defense organ of the peritoneal cavity (Beelen, 1992 ), while on the other heparin is known to have many pleiotropic actions besides being an anticoagulant (De Vriese et al, 2001 ; Gozdzikiewicz et al, 2009 ). Therefore, both of these interventions could result in undesirable functional and morphological changes in the peritoneum (Mortier et al, 2005 ). The use of heparin coated catheters that has been suggested seems to be a good solution, since it reduces the rate of malfunction without inducing changes in the peritoneum (De Vriese et al, 2002 ).…”