[Variations in the thrombogenic properties of the extracellular matrix produced by endothelial cells in consecutive...

Cultured endothelial cells are currently used as a model for the study of the interaction of platelets with the vascular wall under flow conditions. Little is known about the influence of cell-culture conditions on the preservation of the original characteristics of primary tissues. In our study, the reactivity of platelets towards extracellular matrices produced by endothelial cells from different passage numbers was morphometrically evaluated. The presence and distribution of the extracellular von Willebrand factor was analyzed by immunofluorescent techniques. Morphology of endothelial cells in culture varied dramatically along the culture and polymorphism increased clearly at fourth or fifth passages. Extracellular matrix thrombogenicity decreased significantly from the fifth passage number. Simultaneously, von Willebrand factor distribution in ECM changed its typical pattern. Our results confirm that the extracellular matrix produced by human umbilical vein derived-endothelial cells constitutes a good model for the study of platelet adhesion onto vascular subendothelium. The limited viability of ECs and the variation in the thrombogenic properties of ECM formed after multiple passages must be taken into account when these cells or their products are used in experimental research.