Endothelial Cells and the Biology of Factor VIII

Abstract

Endothelial cells line the insides of arteries, veins, capillaries and lymphatics, usually in a layer one cell thick. These cells have important roles in physiologic hemostasis, in the permeability of blood vessels and in mediation of their response to a variety of physiologic and pathologic stimuli.¹ Abnormalities in the structure and function of endothelial cells may contribute substantially to diseases of blood-vessel walls, particularly thrombosis and atherosclerosis.^{1 2 3} To study the role of endothelial cells in these and other important biologic phenomena, my colleagues and I developed methods for identification and long-term culture of human endothelial cells.¹ At about the same . . .