Endothelial cells are thin, flat cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels, forming an interface between circulating blood in the lumen and the rest of the vessel wall. Endothelial cells line the entire circulatory system, from the heart to the smallest capillary. In small blood vessels and capillaries, endothelial cells are often the only cell-type present. Endothelial cells are involved in many aspects of vascular biology, including vasoconstriction, vasodilation, thrombosis, fibrinolysis, atherosclerosis, angiogenesis, and inflammation, and edema.

PrimaPure human endothelial cells are available from human aorta, umbilical vein, coronary and pulmonary arteries, and dermal microvascular tissue. All endothelial cells are characterized positive for expression of von Willebrand Factor/Factor VIII and uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HUVEC cells are additionally tested positive for CD36 expression and cytokine-stimulated leukocyte adherence.

Storage
Cells are cryopreserved immediately after purification and delivered on dry ice. Place cryovials immediately in liquid nitrogen upon arrival. Store the growth medium at 4°C in the dark. Store the subculture reagent at -20°C upon receipt and at 4°C upon thawing.