Mesothelial cells and peritoneal homeostasis.
The mesothelium was traditionally thought to be a simple tissue with the sole function of providing a slippery, nonadhesive, and protective surface to allow easy movement of organs within their body cavities. However, our knowledge of mesothelial cell physiology is rapidly expanding, and the mesothelium is now recognized as a dynamic cellular membrane with many other important functions. When injured, mesothelial cells initiate a cascade of processes leading either to complete regeneration of the mesothelium or the development of pathologies such as adhesions. Normal mesothelial healing is unique in that, unlike with other epithelial-like surfaces, healing appears diffusely across the denuded surface, whereas for epithelium healing occurs solely at the wound edges. This is because of a free-floating population of mesothelial cells which attach to the injured serosa. Taking advantage of this phenomenon, intraperitoneal injections of mesothelial cells have been assessed for their ability to prevent adhesion formation. This review discusses some of the functions of mesothelial cells regarding maintenance of serosal integrity and outlines the mechanisms involved in mesothelial healing. In addition, the pathogenesis of adhesion formation is discussed with particular attention to the potential role of mesothelial cells in both preventing and inducing their development.
Institute for Respiratory Health, Centre for Respiratory Health, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia. Electronic address: steven.mutsaers@uwa.edu.au.
Steven Eugene
SE
Mutsaers
Institute for Respiratory Health, Centre for Respiratory Health, and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
Cecilia Marie-Antoinette
CM
Prêle
Institute of Inflammation and Repair, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Steven
S
Pengelly
Institute of Inflammation and Repair, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Sarah Elizabeth
SE
Herrick
D000818:Animals; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000637:transplantation; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000267:Tissue Adhesions; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
Mesothelial cell; inflammation; mesothelial cell transplantation; mesothelial-mesenchymal transition; postoperative adhesions; tissue repair