title: Reconstruction of peritoneal-like structure in three-dimensional collagen gel matrix culture.
abstract: The peritoneum is a serous membrane consisting of different kinds of cells and extracellular matrix components (ECM). The aim of the present study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture system for possible investigation of pathological conditions of the peritoneum. Human omental mesothelial cells (MC) and endothelial cells from the umbilical vein (EC) were cultivated either on (MC) or in (EC) a preformed type I collagen matrix. In 3D culture mesothelial cells showed their phenotypical in vivo characteristics and the synthesis of a new basal membrane (BM). Endothelial cells developed vessel-like structures, produce a BM and express E-selectin after TNF-alpha stimulation. This 3D culture system presents extended possibilities for analyzing mesothelial and endothelial cell behavior as well as the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions involved in several pathological processes in the peritoneum.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bittinger
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brochhausen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Skarke
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Köhler
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Kirkpatrick
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D003094:Collagen; D004727:Endothelium / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004848:Epithelium; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009852:Omentum / Q000473:pathology*; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000166:cytology*; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D005782:Gels; D007633:Keratins; D003094:Collagen