Response of human peritoneal mesothelial cells to inflammatory injury is regulated by interleukin-1b and tumor necrosis factor-a

ABSTRACT Peritoneal injury is often associated with alterations of the mesothelium, resulting in peritoneal healing and adhesion formation. We analyzed the effects of pro‐inflammatory cytokines on cell morphology and proliferation of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC). After 48 hours, HPMC formed a confluent layer with cell volumes of 2,662±111 fL. Treatment of HPMC with interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) induced mesothelial disintegration and alterations in mesothelial cell morphology, which were associated with an interleukin‐1β–triggered increase in cell volume (3,028±118 fL; p