Cultivation and characterization of coronary microvascular endothelial cells: a novel porcine model using micropigs.

Coronary microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) play an important role in many physiological processes. Porcine CMECs from large breed pigs have been isolated and successfully cultured. However, because micropigs offer research advantages over large breed pigs, micropig CMEC (MPCMEC) cultures may be useful as an alternative in vitro porcine model for cardiovascular studies.

Partial characterization of endothelial FGF receptor functional domain by monoclonal antibody VBS-1.

Polypeptide growth factors mediate their cellular responses by binding to and activating specific cell surface receptors. Monoclonal antibody (MAb) VBS-1, produced against native fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1), inhibited the binding of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) to its receptor on coronary venular endothelial cells (CVECs) as determined by 125I-FGF-2 Scatchard analysis and [3H]thymidine uptake assays (ED50 = 80 ng/mL). Enzyme studies demonstrated that MAb VBS-1 binds to a protein epitope.