CHANGES IN OXIDATIVE STRESS DURING HEMODIALYSIS IN AN EXPERIMENTAL, SHEEP MODEL

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop a new experimental, non-uremic and uremic sheep models of hemodialysis (HD) in relation to oxidative burst, which is one of the major factors leading to erythrocytes destruction during extracorporeal circulation. Methods: Ten hemodialysis sessions were performed in nephrectomized rams, each day after the nephrectomy, and intact animals, which were dialysed three times a week. Changes of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration, total antioxidant capacity, morphology, osmotic fragility and LDH concentration during HD were determined. Dialysis efficiency was assessed with blood biochemical parameters correction. Results: We observed a significant decrease of the absolute leukocyte number in peripheral blood in the first 15 minutes of the HD session. This effect was not permanent and the white blood cell count returned to pre-dialysis level at the end of the procedure. Decline of leukocyte was strong, negatively correlated with TBARS production. LDH concentration after dialysis session was significantly higher than before the treatment. Blood clots were formed in the area of the blood inlet and outlet of the dialyzer. Conclusions: The model that we describe is the experimental step to understand biology and it will be a reference to evaluate methods preventing blood damage during hemodialysis.