Hypoxia-induced increase in NO production and eNOS expression by murine pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells

Morphology, function and gene-expression profile of endothelial cells (ECs) are specific for particular organs, vascular beds or microenvironments. ECs lining different segments along the pulmonary arterial bed vary in the expression of surface molecules. Histochemical labeling of living murine lung sections with Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin revealed a preferential staining of ECs coating the capillary network of alveolar septa. These ECs were isolated employing magnetic beads coated with Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin, expanded and characterized. After propagation up to passage 20 the ECs remained their cap…