Anti-inflammatory effect of sulodexide during acute peritonitis in rats

Background/Aims: Peritonitis is one of the complications of peritoneal dialysis. We demonstrate the systemic and intraperitoneal anti-inflammatory action of sulodexide given systemically. Methods: Dialysis was performed in male Wistar rats with acute peritonitis induced by addition of endotoxin to the fluid. Sulodexide (10 mg/kg b.w.) was used acutely as supplement to the dialysis fluid or chronically, during 7 days preceding the study by intramuscular (IM) injection. Results: In rats given IM sulodexide the dialysate cell count was lower by 45% (p < 0.001) versus untreated rats with peritonitis. Dialysate elastase activity in IM sulodexide-treated rats was lower by 22% (p < 0.05) compared to peritonitis. In rats treated with IM sulodexide the increase of plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha was reduced by 53% (p < 0.002). Pretreatment with IM sulodexide reduced transperitoneal loss of total protein and albumin during peritonitis by 26% (p < 0.002) and by 16% (p < 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: Sulodexide given systemically reduces the intraperitoneal and vascular inflammatory response during acute peritonitis in rats.