Isolation of endothelial cells from human first trimester decidua using immunomagnetic beads

A technique was developed for the isolation of purified endothelial cells from first trimester decidual tissue, using QB End/40-coated magnetic polystyrene beads (Dynabeads). QB End/40 is an endothelial-specific monoclonal antibody which reacts with the coagulation cascade co-factor, thrombomodulin. Small endothelial cell aggregates were released from first trimester decidua by the sequential use of collagenase and trypsin. This dissociation method yielded 15-20% endothelial cells which were further purified to greater than 90% homogeneity by rosetting with QB End/40-Dynabeads. Cultures of purified decidual endothelial cells provide a useful tool for investigating cell-cell interaction in the first trimester placental bed.