An in vitro model for the study of acute release of von Willebrand factor from human endothelial cells

An in vitro model is described which utilizes human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on plastic microcarrier spheres and perfused with serum-free medium. This model was used to study the acute release of von Willebrand factor following stimulation of the cells with putative agonists. Thrombin, plasmin and interleukin-1 were found to release von Willebrand factor. Adrenaline and bradykinin also stimulated release but only at high dosage. 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) was inactive.