Immortalized Mouse Peritoneal Mesothelium

Immortalized Mouse Peritoneal Mesothelium cells (MDM) are cells immortalized from the mesothelium that lines the abdominal cavity. Mesothelium in vivo creates a slick surface for organs to move frictionlessly against each other and modulate transport of fluids and cells across the serosal membrane. Like most primary mesothelial cells isolated from mammals, these cells are likely to senesce quickly in vitro. However, due to immortalization, this cell line creates an easily replicable and proliferative source to study the biology of this organ lining in depth. Thus, these cells act as an excellent alternative to primary mesothelial cells from mice.

MDM cells are often used in research laboratories to test chemical compounds toxicity before being tested in complex in vivo models. Whether testing novel fluorescent probes or drug delivery vehicles, immortalized cell lines provide a quick screen for cytotoxic effects. In addition to being used in toxicology assays, this line can be used to probe the mechanism of peritoneal inflammation, MMT, and cell response to dialysis fluids. Because this cell line is representative of healthy mesothelium tissue found in mice, pathology can be easily distinguished when abnormal data points are collected.