Endothelial cells lining the microvasculature are known to play a critical “gatekeeper” role in the inflammatory process through their ability to recruit circulating immune cells into tissues and foci of inflammation. Studies show that human esophageal microvascular endothelial cells (HEsMEC) exhibit a strong inflammatory immune response to LPS, cytokines, and pH exposure, thus playing a critical regulatory role in esophageal inflammation. When exposed to acidic pH, HEsMEC express certain proteins, such as VCAM-1, but not others, such as ICAM-1. This expression pattern could play a role in the cellular response triggered by gastroesophageal reflux disease. HEsMEC cultures have enabled scientists to observe leukocyte binding, upregulation of cell adhesion molecules, and other cellular responses to LPS, cytokines and pH exposure and has shown that HEsMEC are intrinsically different from lower gastrointestinal endothelial cells. HEsMEC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human esophageal tissue. HEsMEC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. HEsMEC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibody specific to vWF/Factor VIII and/or CD31 (PECAM1). HEsMEC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HEsMEC are guaranteed to further expand for 10 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Endothelial Cell Medium (ECM, Cat. #1001) for culturing HEsMEC in vitro.