The effect of icodextrin-based solutions on peritoneal transport in rats undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis

◆ Background: We evaluated the effect of icodextrin on peritoneal permeability and inflammation in an experimental chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) model with repeated dwell studies (DSs) in non uremic rats. ◆ Methods: Male Wistar rats with implanted peritoneal catheters were infused twice daily for 3 weeks with 20 mL Dianeal 3.86% (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, U.S.A.) (n = 11) or icodextrin 7.5% (n = 12). After 10 days (DS1) and 21 days (DS2), a 4-hour DS using 30 mL icodextrin solution was performed in conscious animals. Radioiodinated serum albumin (RISA) was used as a macromolecular volume marker. Blood samples were drawn before the start of the dwell and at its end. ◆ Results: We observed a steady increase in intraperitoneal volume (IPV) versus dwell time (0 - 240 minutes) during DS1 and DS2 in both groups. No significant differences in peritoneal permeability to solutes were observed between the groups. However, in both groups, IPV volume was significantly higher during DS2 after the 4-hour dwell time [IPV icodextrin: 34.4 ± 1.4 mL (DS1), 35.4 ± 1.1 mL (DS2), p < 0.002; IPV Dianeal: 34.2 ± 0.9 mL (DS1), 35.2 ± 0.7 mL (DS2), p < 0.01]. ◆ Conclusion: Changes of peritoneal permeability seen during in vivo experimental models of chronic peritoneal dialysis in rats with repeated dwell studies are comparable to results obtained in humans on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).