PECAM-1 expression in human mesothelial cells: an in vitro study.

Mesothelial cells are actively involved in inflammatory processes by expressing a set of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Transmigration of leukocytes into inflamed tissues requires a chemotactic stimulus and engagement of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1). To investigate the kinetics involved in peritonitis, pure cultures of mesothelial cells are necessary. In previous studies, we have found that human mesothelial cells (HOMES) show a weak constitutive expression of PECAM-1, which cannot be further stimulated by cytokines. It is known that all serous cavities and body fluids contain numerous macrophages which strongly express this adhesion molecule. To identify the cel…