title: The isolation, characterization and culture of human decidual endothelium.
abstract: A novel method has been developed for the isolation of microvascular endothelium from first trimester decidua. Enzymatic dispersion and Percoll gradient centrifugation, followed by positive selection using Ulex europaeus coated immunomagnetic beads, yields pure isolates of endothelium. Typical 'cobblestone' monolayers form within 3-5 days; cells express the classical endothelial markers CD31 and Von Willebrand factor and the inducible cell adhesion molecules endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule and vascular cell adhesion molecule. Cell growth is dependent on both high concentrations of magnesium ions and human serum. Of the endothelial growth factors examined, only vascular endothelial growth factor stimulated growth, suggesting an important role for this factor in uterine angiogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grimwood
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bicknell
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Rees
mesh_terms: D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002469:Cell Separation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003656:Decidua / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006131:Growth Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D037102:Lectins; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology; D008863:Microspheres; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
chemical_list: D006131:Growth Inhibitors; D006133:Growth Substances; D037102:Lectins