Mesangium

Mesangium is a specialized structure in the kidney that is involved in the regulation of glomerular filtration. It is composed of mesangial cells and extracellular matrix.

Structure

The mesangium is located in the glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels in the kidney. It is found between the basement membrane of the capillary loops and the podocytes of the Bowman's capsule. The mesangium is composed of mesangial cells and extracellular matrix. The mesangial cells are similar to smooth muscle cells and can contract and relax, thereby regulating the flow of blood through the glomerulus. The extracellular matrix is composed of collagen and other proteins that provide structural support.

Function

The primary function of the mesangium is to support the capillaries in the glomerulus and regulate glomerular filtration. It does this by contracting and relaxing, which changes the surface area available for filtration. The mesangium also has immune and endocrine functions. It can produce cytokines and other immune response molecules, and it can also phagocytose immune complexes.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the mesangium can lead to glomerulonephritis, a type of kidney disease. This can occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the mesangium, leading to inflammation and damage. Mesangial proliferation, or the overgrowth of mesangial cells, is a common feature of many types of glomerulonephritis. This can lead to scarring and loss of kidney function.

See also

• Glomerulus
• Kidney
• Glomerulonephritis

Mesangium Resources
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