title: [The mesothelial cells].
abstract: Mesothelial cells are described in situ at the surface of the pleura. Their functions are discussed, in relation with the inflammatory response to different agents (infectious agents, mineral fibres...) and with the carcinogenic transformation, particularly in relation to asbestos exposure. The mechanisms of fibrogenesis, either symphysis or pleural plaques, are not clearly understood. The numerous studies now in progress on the different steps and mechanisms of mesothelial transformation and mesothelioma genesis are summarized focusing on the most recent cytogenetic and molecular biology findings.
authors.affiliation: Unité INSERM 139, CHU Henri-Mondor, Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Jaurand
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Bernaudin
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bignon
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D001194:Asbestos
vernacular_title: La cellule mésothéliale.