To investigate whether the glucose uptake (GU) of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) is mediated by glucose transporters and whether this uptake is influenced by interleukin 1–β (IL-1β), we measured 2-deoxy-(3H)-GU of HPMC in vitro, after exposing the cells for different times (two and 12 hours) to increasing concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 2.0 ng/mL) of IL-1 β. To exclude a noncarrier-mediated transport, GU was also tested in the presence of cytochalasin B. All experiments were performed in triplicate in the cells of two donors. Cytochalasin B inhibits GU of HPMC almost completely. GU of HPMC is not stimulated by insulin. GU is stimulated by IL-1 β in a dose-dependent manner. These data indicate a GU of HPMC, which is mediated by a glucose transporter and stimulated by IL-1 β. The increased uptake of glucose from the dialysate In patients with peritonitis may be mediated by a (cytokineinduced) increased activity of HPMC glucose transporters.