Cell Culture Techniques in Heart and Vessel Research

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.