OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) on apoptosis and intracellular free calcium([Ca(2+)]i), cell surface ICAM-1 expression of rat peritoneal mesothelial cells (RPMCs).

METHODSThe RPMCs apoptosis rate were determined by flow cytometry. [Ca(2+)]i in the cells were monitered the fluorescence at 528 nm by confocus laser microscopy. Cell surface ICAM-1 expression were detected by flow cytometry.

RESULTAfter PDS treatment for 1 h, the RPMCs apoptosis rate were increased. Such increase was more manifest with higher glucose concentration in PDS and longer treatment time of the cells. At the same times, after 3 hours, ICAM-1 expressions of the PDS containing glucose and mannitol are all increased. With the increase of glucose concentrations, the descend of [Ca(2+)]i levels were aggravated.

CONCLUSIONPDS containing high- concentration glucose can induce significant apoptosis of RPMCs in vitro. This may be related with the enhanced level of ICAM-1 expressions and the decreased level of [Ca(2+)]i. Which may due to the occurrence of peritoneal fibrosis and ultrafiltrate failure in patients suffering long term peritoneal dialysis.