Mesothelial cells are the flat, single-layer cells that line the body's internal cavities and cover the organs inside them. They form the mesothelium, the smooth membrane that surrounds the lungs (pleura), the abdomen (peritoneum), and the heart (pericardium). These cells make a slippery fluid that lets organs slide against each other without friction. They are the cells from which mesothelioma arises.
Origin
From the Greek mesos ("middle") and thele ("layer" or "nipple"), reflecting the tissue's origin from the middle germ layer (mesoderm) of the embryo. The term mesothelium came into use in the 19th century as microscopy revealed the distinct lining membranes of the body cavities.
Significance in Asbestos Context
Mesothelial cells are where asbestos-related cancer begins. When asbestos fibers reach the pleura or peritoneum, they can lodge against these cells and, over decades, trigger the genetic damage and chronic inflammation that turns a normal mesothelial cell into mesothelioma. Under the microscope, pathologists study whether these cells are reactive (irritated but benign) or malignant, a distinction that determines the diagnosis. Immunohistochemical stains such as calretinin, WT-1, and D2-40 help confirm a tumor came from mesothelial cells rather than from lung or other tissue. For patients, the accuracy of this cell-level analysis is what secures a firm mesothelioma diagnosis.
Example Sentence
The pathologist explained that the biopsy showed malignant mesothelial cells lining the pleura, confirming the mesothelioma diagnosis.
Related Terms
Mesothelium, Mesothelioma, Pleura, Peritoneum, Immunohistochemistry, Calretinin
Notes
- Ask whether immunohistochemical stains (calretinin, WT-1, D2-40) were used to confirm the cells are mesothelial in origin.
- Request that biopsy slides and tissue blocks be preserved; they may be needed for a second pathology opinion or for your claim.
- A "reactive mesothelial" reading is not the same as cancer; ask whether further sampling is needed if symptoms persist.
In the research library
859 studies in our medical research library mention Mesothelial Cells in the title or abstract. Among the most cited:
- The mesothelial cellS.E. Mutsaers, 2004 · The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology · cited 270 times
- Raw single-wall carbon nanotubes induce oxidative stress and activate MAPKs, AP-1, NF-kappaB, and Akt in normal and malignant human mesothelial cellsM. Pacurari, X.J. Yin, J. Zhao, et al, 2008 · Environmental Health Perspectives · cited 218 times
- Programmed necrosis induced by asbestos in human mesothelial cells causes high-mobility group box 1 protein release and resultant inflammationH. Yang, Z. Rivera, S. Jube, et al, 2010 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · cited 217 times
- Human mesothelial cells are unusually susceptible to simian virus 40-mediated transformation and asbestos cocarcinogenicityM. Bocchetta, I. Di Resta, A. Powers, et al, 2000 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · cited 184 times
- Asbestos-associated chromosomal changes in human mesothelial cellsJ.F. Lechner, T. Tokiwa, M. LaVeck, et al, 1985 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · cited 179 times
The journals that publish most on it: American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (28), Diagnostic Cytopathology (22), Carcinogenesis (19).
Category: Anatomy & Physiology · All Lexicon terms A–Z
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