Endothelial cell culture: protocol to obtain and cultivate human umbilicalendothelial cells

Endothelial cells play a key role in prominent immunological and pathologic al processes such as leukocyte trafficking, inflammation, atheroma or cance r cell metastasis. Umbilical veins are probably the most widely used source for human endothelial cells, since they are more easily available than man y other vessels, they are free from any pathological process and they are p hysiologically more relevant than many established cell lines. Here, we des cribe a standard protocol for preparation, maintenance and quality control of these cells. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.