Despite the fact that the characterization of human peritoneal fibroblast biology and function is, at present, only in its early stages, the evidence available to date clearly indicates that direct interactions of peritoneal macrophages and fibroblasts may significantly contribute to the production of chemotactic and pro-inflammatory factors within the peritoneal cavity. In vitro models studying human peritoneal fibroblasts in two-dimensional or three-dimensional culture systems will further contribute to our understanding of the regulatory processes involved in peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis. In addition, the development of novel peritoneal dialysis solutions will have not only to examine the effect of these solutions on immune cells and the peritoneal mesothelium, but also to take into consideration the potential impact on peritoneal fibroblast function.

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