Endothelial cell migration is induced by soluble P-selectin

We have assessed the role of soluble P-selectin in promoting endothelial cell migration. Human endothelial cells (HUVEC) and bovine microvascular endothelial cells (CVEC) were assessed for migration in the Neuroprobe 48-well microchemotaxis chamber. Soluble P-selectin promoted a dose-dependent (0.1-10 nM) migration of both cell types, with maximal response at 10 nM, producing approximately 60% increment over basal migration. Anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody (5 microg/ml) selectively blocked P-selectin induced migration. Fibronectin and collagen were essential to disclose the migration induced by P-selectin. It is suggested that at vascular level in the presence of modifications of the extracellular matrix milieu, the production of soluble P-selectin could contribute to angiogenesis by promoting endothelial cell migration.