What are mesangial cells?

mesangial cells are found in a part of the kidney called glomerulus - a ball of small blood vessels or capillaries that contribute to blood filtration and urine production. Water, waste and surplus nutrients are removed from the blood by filtration through capillary walls to the surrounding Bowman capsules. The resulting urine then flows into a pipe known as a renal tube, from where it eventually passes to the bladder. Mesangial cells are found among the capillaries and help to regulate the filtration process while providing support of the glomerular structure. They are also involved in the reaction of the kidneys to injuries and diseases. They contain similar proteins to myosin and actin, and have the ability to download. Mesangial cells are located in the gaps between the glomerular capillary capsules to increase capillary walls and form a part of the filter through which the blood passes before entering Bowman's capsule. Otherwise, glomerular capillaries could disintegrate or distance, followed by filtration effect. Glomerular filtration hemodynamics is such that on basal mThe embassy is the pressure on expanding and mesangial cells can help in performing small compensatory contractions.

through the opening where blood vessels supplying blood to and from the glomerular capillaries enter Bowman's capsules, mesangial cells and their matrix spread to create an extraglomerular mesangium. Usually, extraglomerular mesangial cells are long and flat, with lots of processes at each end. They are arranged in layers inside the matrix and, as well as their intraglomerular counterparts, reminiscent of smooth muscle cells. Their cellular processes are associated with the Bowman's Basal membrane and blood vessels passing through, helping to strengthen and close the glomerular entrance.

In diseases such as glomerulonephritis, where the glomeruli is infused, mesangial cells and matrices increase and expand. This inhibits filtration, may lead to high blood pressure and eventually failurekidney. Symptoms of glomerulonephritis include blood or foam in the urine and swelling of the face, abdomen or lower limbs. The treatment consists of a combination of drugs to reduce blood pressure and alleviate the symptoms and regulation of salt, water and protein. If the kidney begins to fail, dialysis or transplantation will usually be necessary.