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The mesothelial cell as a non-thrombogenic surface
Abstract:
A technique for harvesting mesothelial cells is described. This entails collagenase digestion of omentum after which the cells can be cultured. The technique has been developed using the rat, but has also been successfully applied to human tissue. Cultured rat mesothelial cells obtained in this way have been examined by scanning electron microscopy. Rat mesothelial cells grown on plastic film have been exposed to blood in an in vitro system using a Baumgartner chamber and have been demonstrated to support blood flow. No adhering platelets were observed on the mesothelial cell surface. Fibroblasts similarly exposed to blood as a control were washed off the plastic.
Insights
Researchers developed a method to harvest mesothelial cells from omentum tissue. These cultured cells showed a non-thrombogenic surface, supporting blood flow without platelet adhesion in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Mesothelial cells line serous cavities and play roles in lubrication and immune response.
- Harvesting and culturing mesothelial cells is crucial for research and potential therapeutic applications.
- Previous methods for obtaining mesothelial cells may be limited in efficiency or applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and validate a novel technique for harvesting and culturing mesothelial cells.
- To assess the biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of cultured mesothelial cells.
- To investigate the potential of these cells in supporting blood flow.
Main Methods:
- Omentum tissue was subjected to collagenase digestion to isolate mesothelial cells.
- Cells were cultured and characterized using scanning electron microscopy.
- An in vitro system (Baumgartner chamber) exposed cultured cells to blood.
Main Results:
- The collagenase digestion technique successfully yielded viable mesothelial cells from both rat and human omentum.
- Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the morphology of cultured rat mesothelial cells.
- Cultured mesothelial cells supported blood flow in vitro and prevented platelet adhesion, unlike control fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- A reliable method for harvesting and culturing mesothelial cells from omentum has been established.
- Cultured mesothelial cells exhibit non-thrombogenic properties, indicating potential for vascular applications.
- This technique provides a valuable tool for studying mesothelial cell function and exploring their therapeutic use.