Mesothielial cell

Abstract

Mesothelial cells form a monolayer of specialised pavement-like cells that line the body’s serous cavities and internal organs. The primary function of this layer, termed the mesothelium, is to provide a slippery, non-adhesive and protective surface. However, mesothelial cells play other pivotal roles involving transport of fluid and cells across the serosal cavities, antigen presentation, inflammation and tissue repair, coagulation and fibrinolysis and tumour cell adhesion. Injury to the mesothelium triggers events leading to the migration of mesothelial cells from the edge of the lesion towards the wound centre and desquamation of cells into the serosal fluid which attach and incorporate into the regenerating mesothelium. If healing is impaired, fibrous serosal adhesions form between organs and the body wall which impede vital intrathoracic and abdominal movement. Neoplastic transformation of mesothelial cells gives rise to malignant mesothelioma, an aggressive tumour predominantly of the pleura. Although closely associated with exposure to asbestos, recent studies have implicated other factors including simian virus 40 (SV40) in its pathogenesis.
Cell facts

1.

Mesothelial cells are derived from the mesoderm but express both mesenchymal and epithelial cell intermediate filaments.

2.

Mesothelial cells form a monolayer (mesothelium) lining the serosal cavities (pleural, pericardial and peritoneal) and the organs contained within these cavities.

3.

The mesothelium is a slowly renewing tissue with 0.16–0.5% of cells undergoing mitosis at any one time.

4.

The primary function of the mesothelium is as a protective non-adhesive surface but it is also involved in transport of solutes and cells across serosal cavities, antigen presentation, inflammation and tissue repair, coagulation and fibrinolysis and tumour cell adhesion.

5.

Mesothelial regeneration involves migration of cells from the wound edge and attachment and incorporation of free-floating mesothelial cells from the serosal fluid onto the wound surface.

6.

Impaired healing and cell transformation lead to the formation of serosal adhesions and malignant mesothelioma, respectively.

Keywords

• Serosa; 
• Inflammation; 
• Tissue repair; 
• Fibrinolysis; 
• Adhesions; 
• Malignant mesothelioma