The Kinetics of Ultrafiltration during Peritoneal Dialysis in Rats The Role of Lymphatics

Abstract

It is known that fluid, cells, and particulate matter can be absorbed from the peritoneal cavity via subdiaphragmatic lymphatics.^(1–3) The diaphragmatic contractions generate convective flow of lymphatic contents in a cephalad direction. Microfilament-containing projections of mesothelial cells overlie intercellular spaces adjacent to lymphatic lacunae and act as a oneway valve system to prevent retrograde flow into the peritoneal cavity.⁽⁴⁾ During diaphragmatic relaxation, fluid moves from the peritoneal cavity through subdiaphragmatic mesothelial intercellular gaps (which appear as stomata during diaphragmatic relaxation) and into the underlying lymphatic lacunae.