title: Endothelial cell monolayers as a tool for studying microvascular pathophysiology.
abstract: 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 utilize 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 conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The advantages and limitations of endothelial cell monolayers are addressed, along with evolving technologies and strategies that hold promise for extending the utility of this in vitro model for studies of gastrointestinal function and disease.
authors.affiliation: London Health Sciences Centre Research, Inc., Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Kvietys
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Granger
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000633:toxicity; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D015427:Reperfusion Injury
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules