What is the Origin of Mesangial Cell?

The term is derived from the Greek mesos (middle) and angeion (vessel), describing their anatomical location amidst the glomerular capillaries. Their function was recognized through histological studies of the kidney, which revealed their unique position and their capacity to respond to vasoactive substances. Mesangial cells are considered modified smooth muscle cells and pericytes.

What is the Mechanism of Mesangial Cell?

Mesangial cells contribute to glomerular function through three primary mechanisms: structural support, by producing the mesangial matrix; phagocytosis, by clearing immune complexes and protein aggregates from the filtration membrane; and contraction, by responding to vasoactive hormones like angiotensin II. In states of chronic hyperglycemia or hypertension, these cells proliferate and overproduce extracellular matrix, leading to mesangial expansion and eventual obliteration of the glomerular capillaries, severely impairing kidney function.

Mesangial Cell ∞ Area

Mesangial Cell

Meaning

A mesangial cell is a specialized perivascular cell type located within the mesangium of the renal glomerulus, positioned between the glomerular capillaries. These cells serve critical structural, phagocytic, and contractile functions, playing a pivotal role in regulating glomerular filtration dynamics and maintaining the integrity of the kidney’s filtration barrier. Their dysfunction is a central pathological feature in numerous forms of progressive kidney disease, particularly diabetic nephropathy.