Lymphangiogenesis and Lymphatic Absorption Are Related and Increased in Chronic Kidney Failure, Independent of Exposure to Dialysis Solutions.

Increased lymphatic absorption might contribute to ultrafiltration failure in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Lymphangiogenesis develops during PD, but little is known about the relationship between its morphologic and functional parameters. The relationships between lymph vessel density, the effective lymphatic absorption rate (ELAR), and fibrosis were investigated in a rat model of chronic kidney failure (CKD) with exposure to dialysis solutions. Wistar rats (n = 44) were allocated to these groups: NKF (normal kidney function), CKD (70% nephrectomy), CKDD [CKD, with daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) Dianeal 3.86% (Baxter Healthcare BV, Utrecht, Netherlands)], CKDP [CKD, with daily i.p. Physioneal 3.86% (Baxter Healthcare BV)]. After 16 weeks, a peritoneal function test was performed, and the ELAR was calculated from the disappearance rate of i.p. dextran 70. The lymph vessel profile density (LVPD) was assessed using STEPanizer image analysis (Java application from Tschanz SA, Bern, Germany) of omental sections after anti-podoplanin immunostaining. Fibrosis was quantified by picro-sirius red staining. The LVPD was significantly increased in CKD rats compared with NKF rats, and no additional effect of dialysis solutions was present. The ELAR was increased in uremic rats compared with NKF rats. For all rats together, the LVPD correlated positively with the ELAR and with the amount of fibrosis. Chronic kidney disease itself induces lymphangiogenesis and fibrosis and increases the ELAR, independent of exposure to dialysis fluids. The ELAR is related to the LVPD in peritoneal tissue.