Shock : molecular, cellular, and systemic pathobiological aspects and therapeutic approaches : the official journal the Shock Society, the European Shock Society, the Brazilian Shock Society, the International Federation of Shock Societies
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The omentum is a large mesenchymal fibro-fatty tissue with remarkable healing capability. It is also rich in immune cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes, within particular structures named milky spots. Clinical observations indicate a high incidence of peritonitis after the removal of the omentum suggesting that it may play a role in sepsis. ⋯ Finally, omentectomy and sham operation altered the composition of peritoneal immune cells with the disappearance of F4/80 macrophages and the appearance of a new population of F4/80 macrophages within 1 or 14 days post-surgery. The F4/80 positive cells reappeared after 28 days following the procedures. All of these observations suggest that the omentum plays an early role in the outcome from sepsis.