PAE cells, or Porcine Aortic Endothelial Cells, are a type of cell derived from the inner lining of pig aortas. These cells are commonly used as a research model for studying various cardiovascular functions and diseases.
Understanding PAE Cells
Porcine Aortic Endothelial Cells (PAOEC) are a valuable tool in scientific research due to several factors:
- Relevance to Cardiovascular Studies: These cells provide a relevant model for studying how the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) functions.
- Studying Cell Interactions: PAOECs can be co-cultured with smooth muscle cells (also from pigs), creating a model that closely mimics the interactions between the two cell types in blood vessels.
Applications in Research
PAE cells are used to investigate:
- Endothelial function: Researchers use them to understand the normal workings of endothelial cells and how they influence blood vessel health.
- Cardiovascular diseases: They help study the mechanisms of diseases like atherosclerosis and hypertension.
- Drug testing: PAE cells can be used to test the effects of different drugs and therapies on blood vessel cells.
- Cellular interactions: Studying the interaction of endothelial cells with smooth muscle cells to see how they communicate and influence each other.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Source | Inner lining of pig aortas |
| Primary Use | Studying cardiovascular functions and diseases |
| Research Area | Endothelial function, cellular interactions, drug testing, and pathology |
| Model System | Co-cultured with smooth muscle cells for studying cell interactions |
Why PAE Cells are Useful:
- Easy to Obtain: Pig aortas are readily available from research animal facilities.
- Relevant Model: Porcine endothelial cells share many similarities with human endothelial cells, making them a translational model.
- Reproducibility: Studies using PAE cells are easily replicated.
By using PAE cells, scientists gain vital insights into the complexities of cardiovascular health and disease, which can lead to development of better treatments and preventative measures.
