Interstitium, one of the largest human organ
A group of US pathologists discovered a new human organ that will help to explain how cancer cells spread across the body. Interstitium, one of the largest human organ consists of an interconnected series of fluid-filled spaces locates under the skin.
The fluid-filled spaces supported by a collagen and elastin connective tissue proteins, may act like shock absorbers that keep tissues from tearing as organs, muscles, and vessels squeeze, pump, and pulse as part of daily function.
Researchers said, Interstitial fluid is one of the significant types of fluid in the body. It surrounds arteries, muscles, and the digestive and urinary tracts in a layer connective tissue. Interstitium hiding in plain sight for decades and was found by chance.
PCLE findings
While, the study findings are depending on a probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (PCLE). It offers a microscopic view of living tissues instead of fixed ones. In 2015, using this technology the team observes a patient’s bile duct for signs of cancer that allows for close examination of living tissue.
When investigating the microscopic images, the team understood that interstitium found in living tissue instead of dead tissue used in conventional medical slides.
To create slides, scientists use a chemically treated tissue, and draining the fluids and making the interstitium collapse. For instance, 20% of body fluids absent in a total tally, in between blood, lymph, serum and other bodily fluids.
For the current study, the team collected tissue specimens of bile ducts, removing from the pancreas and the bile duct. Minutes prior to clamping off blood flow to the target tissue, patients experienced confocal microscopy for live tissue imaging.
Lastly, the main function of interstitium is to absorb shock and protects our body organs. This fluid is rich in protein that channels in the lymphatic system.
This discovery explains how the interconnected fluids spread cancer cells and understanding the interstitium could also fight the disease. Researchers claimed, interstitium may also help slow or prevent metastasis.
