title: Tight junction physiology of pleural mesothelium.
abstract: Pleura consists of visceral and parietal cell layers, producing a fluid, which is necessary for lubrication of the pleural space. Function of both mesothelial cell layers is necessary for the regulation of a constant pleural fluid volume and composition to facilitate lung movement during breathing. Recent studies have demonstrated that pleural mesothelial cells show a distinct expression pattern of tight junction proteins which are known to ubiquitously determine paracellular permeability. Most tight junction proteins provide a sealing function to epithelia, but some have been shown to have a paracellular channel function or ambiguous properties. Here we provide an in-depth review of the current knowledge concerning specific functional contribution of these proteins determining transport and barrier function of pleural mesothelium.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Physiology, St. Petersburg State University St. Petersburg, Russia.
authors.forename: Alexander G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Markov
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Freie Universität Berlin Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Salah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Amasheh
keywords: claudins; mesothelial cells; pleura; tight junctions; tissue barrier