title: Pathophysiology of the pleura.
abstract: The pleural mesothelial cell is an essential cell in maintaining the normal homeostasis of the pleural space and it is also a central component of the pathophysiologic processes affecting the pleural space. In this review, we will review the defense mechanisms of the pleural mesothelium and changes in pleural physiology as a result of inflammatory, infectious, and malignant conditions with a focus on cytokine and chemokine networks. We will also review the processes involved in the pathogenesis of pleural fibrosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla, USA.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Jantz
authors.forename: Veena B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Antony
mesh_terms: D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D010994:Pleura / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D018700:Pleurodesis
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines