title: Composition of the extracellular matrix of the peritoneum.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To localize the extracellular matrix proteins collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, and laminin in the peritoneal membrane.
  
  
  METHODS
  Peritoneal biopsies (n = 13) from the anterior abdominal wall and the uterine serosa (n = 3) were incubated with antibodies to collagen IV, laminin, collagen I, and fibronectin. Specimens were examined using light and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All of the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins were present immediately under the mesothelium. Collagen (Col) IV and laminin (LM) were seen in the smooth muscle of microvascular structures, in the subendothelial basement membrane, and were present in a fascicular pattern in the peritoneal stroma. Collagen I was distributed diffusely in the peritoneal stroma. Fibronectin was also present in the subendothelial basement membrane.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The resolution of the confocal microscope allowed for localization of extracellular matrix proteins in relation to the mesothelium. The presence of collagen IV, laminin, collagen I, and fibronectin under the mesothelium suggests that cells invading the peritoneum must have the ability to degrade and remodel this matrix.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA. witz@uthscsa.edu
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Witz
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Montoya-Rodriguez
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: V E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Centonze
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Bonewald
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Schenken
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000378:metabolism; D024141:Collagen Type IV / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007797:Laminin / Q000378:metabolism; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D024042:Collagen Type I; D024141:Collagen Type IV; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D005353:Fibronectins; D007797:Laminin