Human Esophageal Endothelial Cells

Description

Human Esophageal Endothelial Cells (HEMEC) are primary endothelial cells isolated from human esophageal microvascular tissue. These cells exhibit a classic cobblestone morphology and retain characteristic esophageal endothelium properties. HEMECs play critical roles in immune surveillance and inflammation by regulating leukocyte adhesion and migration. They respond strongly to LPS, cytokines, and acid exposure, and selectively express VCAM-1, but not ICAM-1, under acid exposure—linking them to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). HEMECs are characterized by positivity for vWF/Factor VIII and CD31, and the uptake of DiI-Ac-LDL. These cells do not proliferate or undergo further passaging. Their unique responsiveness makes them valuable for modeling esophageal inflammation, esophageal cancer and angiogenesis, and microvascular function. To ensure the quality of these primary cells, repeated freeze-thaw cycles are not recommended due to the fragile nature of these cells. The cells undergo rigorous screening and isolation procedures, and are rigorously tested to ensure they are free of contamination from HIV-1, HBV, HCV, Syphilis, Mycoplasma, Fungi, Yeast, and Bacteria.