Receptors for multiplication-stimulating activity on human arterial and venous endothelial cells

Primary cultures of endothelial cells were prepared from the arteries and veins of human umbilical cords. Both arterial and venous endothelial cells demonstrated specific receptors for the insulin-like growth factor MSA (Multiplication-Stimulating Activity). Insulin, at concentrations up to 10(-7) M, had little effect on 125I-MSA binding whereas MSA was congruent to 1% as potent as insulin in competing with 125I-insulin binding. Serum containing anti-insulin receptor antibodies blocked binding of 125I-insulin to the endothelial cells but had little effect on 125I-MSA binding. We conclude that human endothelial cells have specific and distinct receptors for both MSA and insulin.