[The effect of cholesterol on membrane potentials, proliferation and migration of cultivated endothelial cells]

The influence of cholesterol added as cholesterol containing liposomes [sphingomyelin/cholesterol (1: 1; mol/mol)] or as cholesterol suspensions on cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells was investigated. 10(-6) mol/l cholesterol enhanced membrane potential, 10(-5) mol/l caused depolarisation. The proliferation of the cells was dependent on the concentration influenced in opposite directions too. The proliferation was stimulated by 10(-6) mol/l cholesterol and inhibited by 10(-5) mol/l. The migratory rate of the cells was increased by 10(-6) mol/l and 10(-5) mol/l cholesterol. Our results suggest that exogenous cholesterol is integrated in membranes of the endothelial cells and causes in this way changes of membrane potential, proliferation rate and migratory activity.