What Are Mesangial Cells?

Glomerular mesangial cells are also called mesenchymal cells, vascular mesangial cells, mesangial cells within the bulb, intercellular capillaries, or deep endothelial cells. Glomerular mesangial cells are a type of glomerular cells that are located between the capillaries of the glomerulus and adjacent to the endothelial cells or basement membrane. The shape of the cells is irregular and the cell protrusions can be as deep as between the endothelial cells and the basement membrane. Endothelial cells extend into the capillary cavity. Glomerular mesangial cells have the functions of secreting cell matrix, producing cytokines, supporting the glomerular capillary plexus, phagocytosing and clearing macromolecular substances, and similar to the contraction of smooth muscle cells.

Basic Information

Chinese name

Mesangial cells

Also known as

Mesenchymal cells, vascular mesangial cells

Structure

Star-shaped, multiple protrusions, rich cytoplasm

Clinical significance

With the function of secreting cell matrix

Structure and function of mesangial cells

The glomerular mesangial cells are star-shaped, have multiple protrusions, and have abundant cytoplasm. It is located in the mid-axis region of the glomerulus and is distributed between the capillaries in the capillary cluster. The main functions include maintaining the integrity of the glomerular capillary network structure, regulating the glomerular filtration rate, secreting a variety of cell growth factors such as transforming growth factor , platelet-derived growth factor, and renin and other biologically active substances, thereby exerting Multiple biological functions. The arterioles and efferent arteries are connected to the mesangial cells in and out of the glomerulus, so the contractile activity of the mesangial cells can enhance the contraction of the arterioles, thereby controlling the blood in the glomerulus. Diversion.

Clinical significance of mesangial cells

1. The early pathological changes of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis are mesangial cell proliferation and abnormal increase of extracellular matrix, which will lead to glomerulosclerosis as the disease progresses, eventually leading to end-stage renal disease.
2. Studies have shown that glomerular mesangial cells are involved in high glucose, hydrogen peroxide, angiotensin II, aldosterone, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and mechanical distraction. Oxidative stress injury can occur under the stimulation of various factors such as pull, chronic metabolic acidosis, and promote the occurrence of glomerulosclerosis.