ENDOTHELIAL-CELL MONOLAYERS AS A TOOL FOR STUDYING MICROVASCULAR PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Endothelial cells contribute to a variety of biological responses that facilitate organ function. This critical role of the endothelial cell has resulted in the development of different in vitro models that uti lize monolayers of cultured cells to simulate conditions that exist in the intact animal. This review focuses on endothelial cell monolayers as a model system for research on certain pathophysiological conditio ns affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The advantages and limitation s of endothelial cell monolayers are addressed, along with evolving te chnologies and strategies that hold promise for extending the utility of this in vitro model for studies of gastrointestinal function and di sease.