Fluid flow studies on vascular endothelium cultured on microporous membranes

We have designed a two compartment system in which upper and lower compartments are separated by a monolayer of vascular endothelial cells grown on a porous membrane. The culture of pig aortic endothelial cells and their growth to confluence on porous PTFE membranes is described, and the principal characteristics of membrane-cultured cells are compared with those of similar cells cultured on solid surfaces. A decrease in fluid flow across the membrane-cultured cells was associated with their growth to apparent confluence: from low levels, fluid flow could be increased markedly by altering the environmental temperature of the cells. The possible uses and limitations of such a system in the interpretation of the role of endothelial cells in selective transport and compartmentation of fluids and cellular components of the blood are discussed.