Abstract
It is suggested clinically that ascites is due to chronic non-specific peritonitis. However, there have been no report on the alterations in the peritoneal membrane before the occurrence of ascites. We produced liver cirrhosis by oral administration of thioacetamide (TAA) in male Wistar rats to investigate sequential changes in cirrhotic peritoneal membrane. Animals were divided into three groups, group A : the stage of liver cirrhosis (LC); group B : LC accompanied by ascites, group C : age-matched normal rats. Results of the peritoneal equilibration test (PET), portal pressure, and histopathological findings of the liver and peritoneum were compared among the three groups.
The higher degree of fibrosis and higher portal pressure were observed in group A and B. Peritoneal functions of the cirrhotic rats were lower than those of group C, and those of group B were lower than group A. Histopathological studies indicated that fibrosis developed in the deep layer of the peritoneum and mesothelial cells were altered in group A and B, and these changes were more remarkable in group B.
These observations suggest that chronic non-specific peritonitis develops prior to the appearance of ascites, and it contributes the pathogenesis of ascites in liver cirrhosis.
