Acceleration of peritoneal solute transport by cytochalasin D.

Because cytochalasin D affects intercellular junctions the effect of this agent on peritoneal transport was investigated in normal rabbits. Using commercially available dialysis solution, short-term control peritoneal dialyses were compared in the same animals to dialyses in which cytochalasin D was added intraperitoneally. A dose (325-920 micrograms/kg) dependent increase in peritoneal clearances of urea (49% increment at high dose) and of creatinine (67% increment) occurred when cytochalasin D was added. When solute transport was highest at the maximal dose, osmotically induced ultrafiltration decreased significantly to 33% of control values. Cytochalasin D induces aberrations in solute transport that resemble those accompanying and occasionally following peritonitis.