A model substrate for ellipsometry studies of lipoprotein deposition at the endothelium

Endothelial cell layers from umbilical cords were grown on methylated silic a surfaces. Fluorescence microscopy showed this layer to be confluent and t o consist of living cells. Initial ellipsometry measurements were performed to illustrate both the stability of the model surface in ellipsometry meas urements and the Ca2+-dependent binding of lipoproteins at the cell-based s ubstrate. The present substrate holds promise as a model substrate for in v itro investigations of lipoprotein deposition at the endothelium surface un der close to in vivo conditions. (C) 2001 Academic Press.