Related Experiment Videos
Remodeling of peritoneal-like structures by mesothelial cells: its role in peritoneal healing
F Bittinger1, C Schepp, C Brochhausen
1Department of Pathology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany.
Background:
Intraabdominal adhesions are a common complication following laparotomy. Since the exact mechanisms involved in this processes are unknown we have analyzed in vitro the role of mesothelial cells in peritoneal healing.
Material And Methods:
Human mesothelial cells from omental tissue were cultivated for 2 weeks in a three-dimensional culture either on or in a collagen type I matrix. The effects of blood and collagen matrix were analyzed by exposing mesothelial cells to an overlying blood clot, simulating intraperitoneal bleeding, or a second collagen layer. The production of collagen types III and IV, fibronectin, and laminin was analyzed with immunohistochemical methods.
Results:
Mesothelial cells grown on a collagen matrix formed a monolayer of flat or cobblestone-like cells whereas those cultivated in a collagen matrix exhibited spindle-like morphology. Mesothelial cells failed to grow into an overlying collagen matrix, but did grow into a blood clot, emphasizing a potential role of blood clots in peritoneal adhesion formation. Independent of the culture systems mesothelial cells produced collagen type III, fibronectin, and laminin but not collagen type IV.
Conclusions:
Our experiments demonstrate remodeling of peritoneal-like structures by mesothelial cells in a three-dimensional culture reflecting their putative role in the reepithelialization after serosal defects, and also in the formation of peritoneal adhesions.