Endothelial cells protect against lipopolysaccharide-induced caspase-3-mediated pericyte apoptosis in a coculture system.

Background: Cells that comprise the pulmonary capillary walls, the pericytes and endothelial cells, may undergo apoptosis in inflammatory states. This study examined the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on apoptosis in pericytes and endothelial cells, both individually and grown together in a coculture system.

Methods: Pericytes and endothelial cells were isolated and cultured separately and in coculture as previously described.