Human endothelial cells are chemotactic to endothelial cell growth factor and heparin.

Key Points

• To evaluate the migratory responses of human endothelial cells to various growth factors and extracellular matrix components, specifically focusing on endothelial cell growth factor and heparin.
• Assessed human endothelial cell migration (chemotaxis and chemokinesis) using a modified Boyden chamber assay.
• Tested endothelial cell responses to endothelial cell growth factor (10⁻⁹ M), anti-ECGF antibodies, heparin (10⁻⁸ to 10⁻¹⁰ M), collagens (types I–V), fibronectin, laminin, and other polypeptide growth factors.
• Endothelial cell growth factor (10⁻⁹ M) increased endothelial cell chemotaxis and chemokinesis, which was specifically inhibited by anti-ECGF antibody.
• Heparin (10⁻⁸ to 10⁻¹⁰ M) stimulated chemotaxis independently and potentiated the chemotactic response induced by ECGF.
• Laminin, fibronectin, collagens I–V, and epidermal, fibroblast, and nerve growth factors induced chemotactic activity that was one-third to one-half less than that observed with ECGF.