In the cardiovascular sciences, an increasing demand for the use of modern methods of cell biology has developed. The use of specific cell culture models of the various tissues involved is essential for most of these novel approaches. This book meets the demand for acomprehensive and easy accessible source for cell cul- ture methods in cardiovascular research as it was not previously available. The basic methods for cultures of cardiomyocytes (embryonic and adult), endothelial cells (micro- and macrovascular), smooth muscle cells and pericytes are described in detail by an international selection of experts. Special chapters discuss the use of growth factors and attachment substrates, techniques for co-cultures, cultures on permeable filter membranes and microcarrier cultures. The methodological descriptions are sufficiently detailed for an immediate application in the laboratory. All chapters also contain a critical evaluation of alternative approaches.

Heart Muscle Cells

Embryonic Chick Heart Muscle Cells
Neonatal Rat Heart Muscle Cells
Adult Ventricular Rat Heart Muscle Cells
Adult Atrial Cardiocytes in Culture
Muscle Cell Cultures from Human Heart
Attachment Substrates for Heart Muscle Cells
Microcarrier Culture of Neonatal Heart Cells
Endothelial Cells
Macrovascular Endothelial Cells from Porcine Aorta
Microvascular Endothelial Cells from the Lungs
Microvascular Endothelial Cells from Brain
Microvascular Endothelial Cells from Heart
Macro- and Microvascular Endothelial Cells from Human Tissues
Vascular Endothelial Cell-Synthesized Extracellular Matrices as Attachment Substrates In Vitro
Endothelial Cells Grown on Filter Membranes
Microcarrier Cultures of Endothelial Cells
Growth Factors for Vascular Endothelial Cells
Smooth Muscle Cells and Pericytes
Smooth Muscle Cells from Rabbit Aorta
Smooth Muscle Cells from Adult Human Aorta
Coculture of Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells
Culture and Study of Pericytes
Attachment Substrates for Smooth Muscle Cells
Methods of Culturing Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells on Microcarriers
Growth Factors for Smooth Muscle Cells
List of Suppliers.