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| Micrograph of benign mesothelial cells. Peritoneal wash. Pap stain. |
Origin
Mesothelium derives from the embryonic mesoderm cell layer, that lines the coelom (body cavity) within the embryo. It develops into the layer of cells that covers and protects most of the inner organs of the body.
Structure
The mesothelium forms a monolayer of flattened squamous-like epithelial cells resting on a skinny basement membrane supported by Dense irregular connective tissue. Cuboidal mesothelial cells could also be found at areas of injury, the milky spots of the omentum, and therefore the peritoneal facet of the diaphragm overlaying the lymphatic lacunae. The luminal surface is roofed with microvilli. The proteins and serosal fluid trapped by the microvilli give a frictionless surface for internal organs to slip past each other.
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| A layer of mesothelial cells grown in cell culture, that includes the standard "cobblestone" look |
Function
The mesothelium consists of an intensive monolayer of specialised cells (mesothelial cells) that line the body's serous cavities and internal organs. the most purpose of those cells is to provide a lubricating fluid that's released between layers, providing a slippery, non-adhesive, and protecting surface to facilitate intracoelomic movement.
The mesothelium is additionally implicated within the transport and movement of fluid and particulate matter across the serosal cavities, leukocyte migration in response to inflammatory mediators, synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular matrix proteins to assist in serosal repair, and therefore the unleash of things to market the disposition and clearance of fibrin (such as plasminogen). it's an antigen presenting cell. Furthermore, the secretion of glycosaminoglycans and lubricants might defend the body against infection and tumor dissemination.
Role in disease
Mesothelioma: (cancer of the mesothelium) may be a disease during which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide while not management or order. they'll invade and injury nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells may metastasize (spread) from their original web site to different elements of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin within the pleura or peritoneum. over ninetieth of mesothelioma cases are linked to asbestos exposure.
Intra-abdominal adhesions: Normally, the mesothelium secretes plasminogen, that removes fibrin deposits. throughout surgical procedures, the mesothelium could also be broken. Its fibrinolytic capability becomes insufficient and fibrin accumulates, inflicting fibrous adhesions between opposing surfaces. These adhesions cause intestinal obstruction and feminine infertility if it happens within the abdomen, and should impair cardiac and lung operate within the thorax.
Ultrafiltration failure: The peritoneal mesothelium is implicated within the long-term development of ultrafiltration failure in peritoneal dialysis patients. The presence of supra-physiological glucose concentrations, acidity, and glucose degradation product in peritoneal dialysis fluids contribute to the fibrosis of the peritoneal mesothelium, either by epithelial-mesenchymal transition or increased proliferation of existing fibroblasts. A fibrosed peritoneum ends up in the increased passage of solutes across the peritoneum and ultrafiltration failure.