Mast cell involvement in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure

作者：Kazama Itsuro^*; Baba Asuka; Endo Yasuhiro; Toyama Hiroaki; Ejima Yutaka; Matsubara Mitsunobu; Tachi Masahiro

来源：Nephrology, 2015, 20(9): 609-616.

DOI：10.1111/nep.12489

• chronic renal failure
• fibroblast-activating factors
• mast cells
• peritoneal fibrosis
• tranilast

AimPeritoneal fibrosis is a serious complication in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), especially those undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis therapy. Since the peritoneum is a major site of mast cell accumulation, and since mast cells are known to facilitate the progression of organ fibrosis, they would also contribute to the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis. The aim of this study was to reveal the involvement of mast cells in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in chronic renal failure.
MethodsUsing a rat model with chronic renal failure (CRF) resulting from 5/6 nephrectomy, we examined the histopathological features of the rat peritoneum and compared them to those of age-matched sham-operated rat peritoneum. By treating the CRF rats with a potent mast cell stabilizer, tranilast, we also examined the involvement of mast cells in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis.
ResultsThe CRF rat peritoneum was characterized by the wide staining of collagen III and an increased number of myofibroblasts, indicating the progression of fibrosis. Compared to sham-operated rat peritoneum, the number of toluidine blue-stained mast cells was significantly higher in the fibrotic peritoneum of CRF rats. The mRNA expression of fibroblast-activating factors and stem cell factor was significantly higher in peritoneal mast cells obtained from CRF rats than in those obtained from sham-operated rats. Treatment with tranilast significantly suppressed the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in CRF rats.
ConclusionsThis study demonstrated for the first time that the number of mast cells was significantly increased in the fibrotic peritoneum of CRF rats. The proliferation of mast cells and their increased activity in the peritoneum were thought to be responsible for the progression of peritoneal fibrosis.
Summary at a Glance Using a rat model of CKD and peritoneal fibrosis, the authors demonstrated the possible involvement of mast cells in the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis, as indicated by their increased numbers and activity.

• 出版日期2015-9