Macroscopic and histopathological features of acute peritoneal infection in diabetic and euglycemic Wistar rats

INTRODUCTION: Impact of the secondary peritoneal infections on the peritoneal morphology in diabetic population remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: To study the histopathological changes of the peritoneum due to secondary bacterial peritonitis in diabetic rats in comparison to the normoglycemic animals. METHODS AND MATERIALS: 13 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: control (n = 3) and experimental (n = 10). The latter was subdivided into non-diabetic (n = 5) and diabetic (n = 5). T1DM and peritonitis were induced through the single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) and intraperitoneal injection of 2 ml of the faecal matter, respectively. RESULTS: Macroscopic findings of diabetic rat peritoneum included significant accumulation of the exudate in the peritoneal cavity and presence of intraintestinal adhesions and abscesses. Morphology of the peritonium presented with diffuse, profound degenerative and inflammatory lesions involving the subjacent tissues. In contrast, the underlying muscular layer of the non-diabetic rats remained intact. CONCLUSIONS: Natural course of the peritoneal infection in diabetic rats (48 hours) is characterised by diffuse severe peritonitis with interintestinal abscess formation and more profound subadjacent tissue involvement in comparison with non-diabetic rats.