Heterogeneity and reciprocity of FVIII and VWF expression, and the response to shear stress in cultured human endothelial cells.

Background: Substantial phenotypic heterogeneity exists in endothelial cells and while much of this heterogeneity results from local microenvironments, epigenetic modifications also contribute.

Methods: Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, human hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, human lymphatic endothelial cells (hLECs), and two different isolations of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) were assessed for levels of factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) RNA and protein. The intracellular location and co-localization of both proteins was evaluated with immunofluorescence microscopy and stimulated release toof FVIII and VWF from Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs) was evaluated.