The Isolation and Culture of Human Mesothelial Cells Characterization of Cyclooxygenase Products

Abstract

Cells of mesodermal origin form the limiting membrane of the peritoneal cavity and may play an important role in the passage of molecules during dialysis as well as providing a protective barrier during episodes of peritoneal infection. The precise role of the mesothelial cell in peritonitis remains unclear. Previous methods for the culture of these cells have been limited to animal sources, or to the isolation of human cells from serous effusions.^{(1, 2)}, In the present study, we have developed a reproducible method for isolating mesothelial cells from explants of human omentum and have confirmed their identity using immunohistochemical and ultra- structural techniques. Preliminary data suggest that these cells produce the cyclooxygenase metabolites PGE₂ and PGI₂. The potential pathophysiological role of these mesothelial cell products is discussed.