[Reaction of rat peritoneal mesothelial cells in aseptic and bacterial peritonitis].

Transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine mesothelial cells of the rat peritoneum in aseptic peritonitis caused by intraperitoneal starch injections and in bacterial peritonitis induced by injury to the large intestine. Active contraction of the mesotheliocytes was recorded in early stages of both the types of peritonitis. In aseptic peritonitis, that contraction was replaced by relaxation of the cells, whereas in bacterial peritonitis, by dystrophy and desquamation.