Development of a predictive value equation for the minimum fluid volume to completely coat the intraperitoneal surface area of rodents

Models of intraperitoneal chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and dialysis are conceptually based on intraperitoneal membrane transportation and absorption. A basic assumption of these models is a constant intraperitoneal surface area (1-4). Without intraperitoneal volume, many of the convoluted surfaces of the peritoneum are juxtaposed to one another and hence support the concept of the intraperitoneal cavity as being a 'potential space'. As volume is added intraperitoneally, the available suface area increases as the opposing parts of the peritoneum are separated. Only at minimum coating volume (Vmin) and above are the peritoneal surfaces completely separated and the surface area of the peritoneum assumed to be constant. The Vmin to completely coat the intraperitoneal surface area of rodents is not known. In this experiment, a predictive value equation to compute Vmin was developed. The relationship between the minimum coating volume (Vmin), body surface area (BSA), and body weight of rodents was evaluated.