Increase of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in dialysate of rat sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis model

Sclerosing peritonitis (SP) and sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) are serious complications of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The mortality rate of SP/SEP is extremely high. It is important to clarify the mechanism of progression of SP/SEP, and to prevent this complication. We prepared an animal model of SEP by intraperitoneal administration of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) using male Sprague-Dawley rats. Dialysate drained from these animals was analysed by gelatin zymography. In this animal model of SEP, fibrous peritoneal thickening accompanied by cellular infiltration and peritoneal adhesion, were observed. Four of six rats presented with a so-called abdominal cocoon. An increase of peritoneal absorption of glucose was also confirmed. Zymographic analysis revealed that the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) level was high in the dialysate from the animal model, although MMP-9 was hardly detected. From these results, the MMP-2 level in drained dialysate was considered to increase in SP/SEP. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 might be associated with the progression of SP/SEP.