%0 Journal Article
%T Tight junction physiology of pleural mesothelium
%A Alexander G. Markov
%A Salah Amasheh
%J Frontiers in Physiology
%D 2014
%I Frontiers Media
%R 10.3389/fphys.2014.00221
%X Pleura consists of visceral and parietal cell layers, producing a fluid, which is necessary for lubrication of the pleural space. Function of both mesothelial cell layers is necessary for the regulation of a constant pleural fluid volume and composition to facilitate lung movement during breathing. Recent studies have demonstrated that pleural mesothelial cells show a distinct expression pattern of tight junction proteins which are known to ubiquitously determine paracellular permeability. Most tight junction proteins provide a sealing function to epithelia, but some have been shown to have a paracellular channel function or ambiguous properties. Here we provide an in-depth review of the current knowledge concerning specific functional contribution of these proteins determining transport and barrier function of pleural mesothelium.
%K Mesothelium
%K Pleura
%K Tight Junctions
%K Claudins
%K Inflammation
%U http://www.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fphys.2014.00221/abstract