Interactions of human ovarian tumor cells with human mesothelial cells grown on extracellular matrix. An in vitro model system for studying tumor cell adhesion and invasion.

Human ovarian tumors metastasize by direct extension into the peritoneal cavity leading to tumor cell implantation onto peritoneal surfaces. Successful formation of peritoneal implants is dependent on the ability of ascitic tumor cells to infiltrate the mesothelium, and become firmly adherent to the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM). In order to investigate this process in more detail, an in vitro model system was developed employing human mesothelial cells grown on ECM-coated culture dishes. The ability of human ovarian carcinoma cells derived from ascitic fluid to attach to the mesothelial cell monolayer grown on ECM, ECM alone or plastic was quantitated with the use of 51Cr radio-labelled tumor cells. Tumor cells exhibited a more rapid and firmer attachment to ECM than to the mesothelial cells or to plastic. Using agitation to stimulate peritoneal fluid dynamics and shear forces in vivo, tumor cell arrest was found to be limited to the ECM, but it occurred at a slower rate than it did without agitation. Tumor cell attachment was also restricted to areas of exposed ECM in wounded mesothelium as assessed by phase-contrast microscopy. Morphologic alterations of the mesothelium induced by tumor cells were observed with the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunohistochemical staining which included disruption of intercellular junctions leading to retraction of mesothelial cells, exposure of underlying ECM, subsequent attachment and proliferation on ECM. This model system would appear to be useful for elucidating mechanisms of ovarian tumor cell adhesion and proliferation, and for assessing various therapeutic modalities for their ability to block tumor cell implantation, invasion and growth on peritoneal surfaces.