Monolayer Mesothelium from the Ileal Rabbit'S Mesentery: An Experimental Model for Study of Peritoneal Kinetics IN VITRO

This paper describes an experimental model of the monolayer mesothelium from the ileal rabbit's mesentery. As proved by the electron micro. scopic examination, this membrane consists of the mesothelium lying on the undamaged basement membrane. To minimize the damage to the membrane's edge, we used a new type of chamber. Over a period of 90 minutes transport rate of the various solutes across the mesothelium in vitro was constant, which proves indirectly the viability of this epithelium during this time. This experimental model seems to be suitable for the in vitro study of the mechanisms which regulate the permeability of the peritoneal mesothelium.

Permeability of the peritoneal mesothelium to various solutes and water has been evaluated during in vitra studies of isolated peritoneal membranes of the mesentery or on the parietal peritoneum (1,2,3). The experimental conditions avoid or significantly diminish the interference of other barriers, like endothelium or connective tissue, which play an important role in viva.

Mesentery consists of two mesotheliallayers, lying symmetrically and, as a result, the permeability so measured doesn't reflect precisely the permeability of the mesothelium. On the other hand models of the parietal peritoneum include a thick layer of muscle and connective tissue which can be a source of some artifacts.

To avoid these disadvantages we developed an experimental model of the monolayer mesothelium obtained from the ileal mesentery of the rabbit. We believe this model is useful for the investigation of the function of this epithelium during the peritoneal dialysis. This paper describes this in vitra model which we have devised for the study of the peritoneal mesothelium.