EXTRACELLULAR-MATRIX COVERED BIOMATERIALS FOR HUMAN ENDOTHELIAL-CELL GROWTH

The aim of this study is to optimize conditions for growing endothelial cells on vascular biomaterials. Bovine cornea endothelial cells (BCEC), stimulated by basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) secrete an extracellular matrix (ECM) similar to the Descemet membrane produced in vivo by these cells. This ECM, obtained by removing BCEC with an hypotonic shock can be used as a substratum for other endothelial cell growth. Human endothelial cells (HEC) were purified from omentum that was digested with a solution of collagenase-dispase, then filtered through nylon meshes. The cells were further purified by centrifugation onto a Percoll gradient. A comparative study on the attachment and growth of HEC on various coatings (laminin, poly-L-lysine, fibronectin or ECM) indicates that ECM is the most performing substratum. The quality of this endothelium was confirmed by the presence of factor VIII, and MHC class I and the absence of class II antigens.