Endothelial cells from hematopoietic stem cells are functionally different from those of human umbilical vein

• Published in: Journal of cellular and molecular medicine 2003-10, Vol.7 (4), p.455-460
• Main Authors: Paunescu, V., Suciu, Erika, Tatu, C., Plesa, Adriana, Herman, Diana, Siska, Ioana Raluca, Suciu, C., Crisnic, Daniela, Nistor, Daciana, Tanasie, Gabriela, Bunu, Carmen, Raica, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antigens, CD34 - metabolism; Bone growth; CD34; CD34 antigen; Cell adhesion molecules; Cell Adhesion Molecules - metabolism; Cell culture; Cell Differentiation; Cell Separation; Cells, Cultured; cord blood; endothelial cell; Endothelial cells; Endothelium, Vascular - cytology; Endothelium, Vascular - physiology; Flow Cytometry; hematopoietic stem cell; Hematopoietic stem cells; Hematopoietic Stem Cells - cytology; Hematopoietic Stem Cells - physiology; Humans; Immunomagnetic separation; Intercellular adhesion molecule 1; Physical characteristics; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 - metabolism; Stem cells; Umbilical cord; Umbilical vein; Umbilical Veins - cytology; Von Willebrand factor
• ISSN: 1582-1838; 1582-4934
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2003.tb00248.x

Hematopoietic stem cells have a remarkable plastic capacity, which allows them to differentiate into various cells, such as immune cells, nervous cells, muscle cells, bone and cartilaginous cells. The aim of this study was to show the capacity of stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells, in culture, after addition of endothelial cells growth suplement (ECGS). We also compared the behavior of these cells with that of endothelial cells obtained from human umbilical vein (HUVEC). CD34+ cells obtained by immunomagnetic separation from human umbilical cord and placental blood were used. After 12‐15 days of culture in a medium containing ECGS, the cells showed morphological changes characteristic to endothelial cells and immunocytochemical analysis revealed the presence of CD31 surface antigen and von Willebrand factor. The flow‐cytometric analysis of endothelial cells adhesion molecules (ECAM) showed that endothelial cells derived from CD34+ cells expressed CD54/ICAM‐1 9.65 ± 0.2% and CD106/VCAM 7.73±0.3%, values similar to those expressed by HUVECs. After TNF incubation, ECAM expression increased only in HUVECs. These data demonstrate that a fraction of circulating CD34+ cells may develop some endothelial cell characteristics when cultured with ECGS, but they are functionally different from HUVECs.