Abstract
Analysis of morphological changes of the peritoneal membrane is an essential part of animal studies when investigating molecular mechanisms involved in the development of peritoneal fibrosis or testing the effects of potential therapeutic agents. Current methods, such as histology and immunohistochemistry, require time consuming sample processing and analysis and result in limited spatial information. In this paper we present a new method to evaluate structural and chemical changes in an animal model of peritoneal fibrosis that is based on hyperspectral imaging and a model of light transport. The method is able to distinguish between healthy and diseased subjects based on morphological as well as physiological parameters such as blood and scattering parameters. Furthermore, it enables evaluation of changes, such as degree of inflammation and fibrosis, that are closely related to histological findings.
Highlights
Peritoneal fibrosis is a serious clinical complication found in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD)
In this paper we present a new method to evaluate structural and chemical changes in an animal model of peritoneal fibrosis that is based on hyperspectral imaging and a model of light transport
The chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) induced mouse model is a frequently used model of peritoneal fibrosis with morphological similarities to those seen in humans such as inflammation, neoangiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, production of collagen fibers which leads to fibrosis, thickening of the peritoneum, and peritoneal dysfunction [3,4]
Summary
Peritoneal fibrosis is a serious clinical complication found in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Patients receiving PD for extended periods of time can develop functional and morphological changes of the peritoneal membrane. These changes are characterized by injury to mesothelial cells and prolonged inflammation, which leads to development of fibrosis [1,2] or even mortality in up to 10% of patients receiving PD [3]. To investigate mechanisms involved in the initiation and development of peritoneal fibrosis, or to test the effects of potential treatment strategies for humans, various rodent models have been developed, including chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) induced mouse model [2,3,4,5]. In the first stages of the disease model, inflammation is the dominant process characterized by infiltration of various inflammatory cells, interstitial fluid, erytrocytes (blood congestion), and injured tissue cells [3]
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