Contribution of rat endothelial progenitor cells on three-dimensional network formation in vitro.

Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) transplantation is a promising treatment option for ischemic diseases, and understanding the mechanism mediating angiogenic effects of EPCs is essential to further improve its effectiveness as well as their application to in vitro tissue engineering. Here we investigated EPC contribution on network formation using an in vitro three-dimensional network model. Bovine microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) were seeded on collagen gel to create a three-dimensional network model.

Human neuroblastoma GOTO cells express CD44 and localize it into lipid rafts upon differentiation into Schwannian cells.

Neuroblastoma, which is a malignant tumor consisting of dedifferentiated neuroectodermal cells, is known to show spontaneous maturation or regression in its growth. Cultured human neuroblastoma GOTO cells could be induced to differentiate into Schwannian cells and neuronal cells by incubation in the presence of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and by serum depletion, respectively. Here we report that in association with these differentiations, cells differentiated into Schwannian cells specifically expressed a cell adhesion molecule CD44, of which expression is usually suppressed in GOTO cells.

Effect of shear stress on microvessel network formation of endothelial cells with in vitro three-dimensional model.

Shear stress stimulus is expected to enhance angiogenesis, the formation of microvessels. We determined the effect of shear stress stimulus on three-dimensional microvessel formation in vitro. Bovine pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were seeded onto collagen gels with basic fibroblast growth factor to make a microvessel formation model.