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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Isolation, Expansion, and Adipogenic Induction of CD34+CD31+ Endothelial Cells from Human Omental and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue
Published on: July 17, 2018
Remodelling of adipose tissue during experimental omental adhesion formation
S Wilkosz1, J Epstein, A de Giorgio-Miller
1Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Background:
Peritoneal adhesions are fibrous bands of tissue connecting normally separated organs and frequently involve the fat-laden greater omentum. Remodelling of fibrin-rich exudate under reduced fibrinolytic conditions is thought to initiate adhesion formation following surgery. It is unclear whether adhesions that involve the omentum develop in a similar manner. To improve understanding of omental adhesion formation, adipose tissue distribution, cell proliferation and procollagen type I gene expression were investigated in a murine surgical model and in established omental adhesions from patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Methods:
Experimental murine omental adhesions and human omental adhesions were analysed for signs of tissue remodelling using histology, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.
Results:
Murine omental tissue showed intense inflammation and reduced adipose tissue 3-7 days after surgery, but increased cellularity and collagen production. Adipose tissue remodelling was reversible with increased adipose tissue and decreased cell proliferation and procollagen type I gene expression, shown by proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunolocalization and in situ hybridization respectively. Human omental adhesions were heterogeneous, with varying amounts of fibrotic and adipose-rich regions, although most displayed proliferating and collagen-producing cells.
Conclusion:
Omental adhesions are not static scar tissue as traditionally thought, but undergo active adipose tissue remodelling over-time.
