In vivo protein markers of human peritoneal mesothelial cells: do they differ according to their anatomical sites?

Objective: To highlight the in vivo protein markers in human peritoneal mesothelial cells according to their anatomical distribution and their interest in theories of peritoneal repair.

Design: Clinical laboratory study.

Setting: University Hospital, France.

Patients: Sampling of mesothelial cells during 8 laparotomies by impression smears.

Main outcome measures: Immunochemical semiquantitative measures of proteins.

Results: There were uniform ratios of protein markers among the whole peritoneal mesothelial cell population, whatever their anatomical origin (liver, stomach, omentum, small bowel, and abdominal wall).

Conclusion: This is consistent with the surrounding uninjured mesothelial cells or the exfoliated mesothelial cells, or both, having a role in postoperative peritoneal mesothelial repair.