Host defense mechanisms in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

We investigated whether dialyzate obtained from patients undergoing CAPD had any harmful effects on the function of their own lymphocytes and granulocytes and on those of normal controls. When tested in dialyzate obtained after a 4 hr intraperitoneal residence, lymphocyte viability and transformation responses to phytohemagglutinin and protein A were similar for patients and controls. Neutrophil function assessed by the nitroblue tetrazolium test (NBT) was not altered. Our results suggest that dialyzate, after a 4 hr intraperitoneal stay, does not impair lymphocyte and granulocyte function.