Exploring natural anticoagulation by endothelial cells: a novel in vitro model

Abstract

Acute damage and activation of endothelial cells (EC), the inner lining of blood vessels, is linked to release of heparan sulfate proteoglycans and exposure of a proinflammatory and procoagulant cell surface. To study the pathophysiology of EC activation and the effect of substances which protect EC in vitro we have developed a model with EC cultured on small beads, which are then incubated with whole, non-anticoagulated human blood.