Host defense mechanisms in the peritoneal cavity of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. 2. Humoral defenses.

This is the second of a 2-part series reviewing host defense mechanisms of the peritoneal cavity of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. This article discusses humoral aspects of host defenses and accompanies the first article that focused upon cellular defenses. The purpose of this review is to provide a critical analysis of studies that have investigated the importance of peritoneal humoral immunity of CAPD patients in the pathogenesis of peritonitis. Specific attention is given to how CAPD alters normal humoral defenses of the peritoneal cavity and the clinical significance of such alterations.