Cultivation of Simian Virus 40 Large T Transfected Human Endothelial Cell Lines in Serumfree Medium

Human endothelial cells normally need a content of 10-15% serum and endothelial cell growth factor in the culture medium for longterm cultivation. After expression of SV40 largeT protein the serum requirement is reduced. We have developed a serumfree medium which allowed us to study the need for growth factors. SV40 largeT positive cell lines were found to be able to proliferate without any growth factor in the culture medium. Endothelial cell growth factor, epidermal growth factor and insulin can enhance the growth rate and prolong the in vitro life span. Endothelial cells capable of growth under serumfree conditions can be used for different kinds of in vitro tests which often require the use of defined media.