INTERACTION OF MESOTHELIUM TO INTRAPERITONEAL STIMULATION .1. AGGREGATION OF PERITONEAL-CELLS

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (4) , 479-491
Abstract
Effect of i.p. injections of bacterial toxin and adjuvant on the diaphragmatic mesothelium and their interaction with peritoneal cells was investigated in mice. At 30 min-8 h after stimulation, large numbers of neutrophils were seen on the mesothelial surface. Many of these cells exhibited features characteristic of locomotion over the mesothelial surface; others appeared to be in the process of entering and passing through stomata into lymphatic vessels. By 24 h numerous neutrophils, macrophages and a small number of lymphocytes formed cellular aggregates that were surrounded by fibrin filaments. At 48 h the peritoneal cells were more closely aggregated and formed several layers on the mesothelial surface. By 72 h fibrin filaments appeared to be broken down in many areas, with a resultant electron-dense precipitate occupying large areas of the intercellular spaces and on the surfaces of cells. Apparently the fibrin provides a matrix for the adhesion and subsequent aggregation of peritoneal cells to the mesothelial surface. The separation of neighboring mesothelial cells which surrounded stomata caused a widening of mesothelial pores (stomata), thereby facilitating the egress of the increased fluid and cellular infiltrations caused by the stimulation. The presence of patent stomata underlying the cellular aggregate demonstrates the importance of the diaphragmatic stomata as a major passageway for the removal of fluids and cells in the unstimulated, and during the inflammatory, response.