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The surface film on the mesothelium of the serous membranes of the rat

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Summary

A surface film with a thickness of 280–570 Å covers the mesothelium of serous membranes in the rat. This film can be stained with ruthenium red. Its considerable water-binding capacity produces the reflecting surface of the serous membranes. The friction of the organs is thereby greatly reduced. Only a small amount of serous fluid must be produced to keep the surface moist. The glucosamino glycans of the surface film are probably synthesized by the mesothelial cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. II. Anatomisches Institut der Freien Universität Berlin, Germany

    W. Schwarz

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  1. W. Schwarz
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Mit Unterstützung der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft im Rahmen des SFB 28 durchgeführt.

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Schwarz, W. The surface film on the mesothelium of the serous membranes of the rat. Z.Zellforsch 147, 595–597 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307258

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307258

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