Cell Specification
Endothelial cells constitute the natural interface between the blood and the underlying tissue. Changes in endothelial cell function appear to play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells synthesize and secrete activators as well as inhibitors of both the coagulation system and the fibrinolysis system in addition to mediators that influence the adhesion and aggregation of blood platelets. Endothelial cells also release molecules that control cell proliferation and modulate vessel wall tone [1]. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) produce antithrombotic and thrombotic factors such as t-PA and PAI-1 and respond to TNF-alpha by modifying growth characteristics, producing cytokines such as GM-CSF, expressing ICAM-1 on the surface and producing large amounts of nitric oxide and endothelin [2]. Many of the endothelial processes can be studied in vitro using cultured cells, and HAEC will surely be very useful to studying and understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in many vascular alteration pathologies as well as in the aging process.

HAEC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human aorta. HAEC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10⁵ cells in 1 ml volume. HAEC are characterized by immunofluorescent method with antibodies to vWF/Factor VIII and CD31 (P-CAM) and by uptake of DiI-Ac-LDL. HAEC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HAEC are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings at the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Endothelial Cell Medium (ECM, Cat. No. 1001) for the culturing of HAEC in vitro.

Product Use
HAEC are for research use only. It is not approved for human or animal use, or for application in in vitro diagnostic procedures.

Storage
Directly and immediately transfer cells from dry ice to liquid nitrogen upon receiving and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until cell culture needed for experiments.

Shipping
Dry ice.

Reference
[1] Elhadj, S. and Forsten, K. E. (2001) Chronic shear stress affects bovine aortic endothelial cell secreted proteoglycan production in vitro. Bioengineering Conference, Vol. 50:767-768.
[2] Donnini, D., Perrella, G., Stel, G., Ambesi-Impiombato, F. S., Curcio, F. (2000) A new model of human aortic endothelial cells in vitro. Biochimie 82:1107-14.