The effect of coculture with human smooth muscle cells on the proliferation, the IL-1 beta secretion, the PDGF production and tube formation of humanaortic endothelial cells

Endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which an the major component cells of blood vessels, produce various bioactive substances and communicate with each other through them. Although several studies of the i nteraction between ECs and SMCs have been reported, the effect of coculture with SMCs on ECs is still obscure. To clarify the interaction of ECs and S MCs, we examined the effect of coculture with SMCs on the proliferation, th e IL-1 beta secretion, the PDGF production and tube formation of ECs, using the coculture model: transferable wells and collagen gel. IL-1 and PDGF ar e considered to be related to progression of atherosclerosis. Proliferation and tube formation of ECs an associated with repair of vessels. In the tra nsferable well system coculture with SMCs stimulated the proliferation of E Cs, and enhanced the IL-1 beta secretion of ECs and in the collagen gel sys tem coculture with SMCs induced the tube formation of ECs, and appeared to enhance the PDGF production of ECs, In conclusion, the effect of coculture with SMCs on ECs has two conflicting aspects: progression of atherosclerosi s and angiogenesis. These results suggest that an imbalance of their effect s may lead to pathological events. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Lt d.