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Cells and Matrix |
Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
Correspondence to: S. Yung, Department of Medicine, Room 302, New Clinical
Building, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, PR
China.
ssyyung{at}hkucc.hku.hk
Background: The introduction of peritoneal dialysis (PD)
as a modality of renal replacement therapy has provoked much interest in the
biology of the peritoneal mesothelial cell. Mesothelial cells isolated from
omental tissue have immunohistochemical markers that are identical to those of
mesothelial stem cells, and omental mesothelial cells can be cultivated in
vitro to study changes to their biologic functions in the setting of
PD. Method: The present article describes the structure and
function of mesothelial cells in the normal peritoneum and details the
morphologic changes that occur after the introduction of PD. Furthermore, this
article reviews the literature of mesothelial cell culture and the limitations
of in vitro studies. Results: The mesothelium is now considered to be a dynamic
membrane that plays a pivotal role in the homeostasis of the peritoneal
cavity, contributing to the control of fluid and solute transport,
inflammation, and wound healing. These functional properties of the
mesothelium are compromised in the setting of PD. Cultures of peritoneal
mesothelial cells from omental tissue provide a relevant in vitro
model that allows researchers to assess specific molecular pathways of disease
in a distinct population of cells. Structural and functional attributes of
mesothelial cells are discussed in relation to long-term culture,
proliferation potential, age of tissue donor, use of human or animal in
vitro models, and how the foregoing factors may influence in
vitro data. Conclusions: The ability to propagate mesothelial cells in
culture has resulted, over the past two decades, in an explosion of
mesothelial cell research pertaining to PD and peritoneal disorders.
Independent researchers have highlighted the potential use of mesothelial
cells as targets for gene therapy or transplantation in the search to provide
therapeutic strategies for the preservation of the mesothelium during chemical
or bacterial injury.
KEY WORDS: KEY WORDS:; Mesothelial cells; omentum; peritoneum; senescence; proliferation.
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