Different enzyme activities in coronary capillary endothelial cells

Abstract

Differential distributions of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and dipeptydylpeptidase IV (DPPIV) were studied in coronary microvascular endothelial cells. Endothelial cells were obtained by the perfusion of coronary vessels with 0.1% trypsin PBS solution and cultured in uncoated culture dishes. Staining of cultured endothelial cells with AP- and DPPIV- sensitive reagents revealed blue or red staining, respectively. Most colonies showed cells of only one color, blue or red, even at the fifth passage. AP- sensitive cells, which were originally elongated, shortened and widened, proliferating to form monolayer colonies of cobble stone-like cells. AP- stainability became weak with repeated passages. DPPIV-sensitive endothelial cells remained elongated even after repeated passages. The cell shape and stainability seemed to be coupled and maintained through the five passages studied.