Role of glycosaminoglycan and fibronectin in endothelial cell growth.

This study was undertaken to clarify the biological significance of fibronectin and GAG synthesized in human endothelium. The synthesis of GAG and fibronectin was proved morphologically and biochemically in endothelial cells. The conditioned media of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells have promoted endothelial cell proliferation and production of extracellular matrix in the endothelium. These results suggest that the extracellular matrix which is composed of fibronectin and GAG may play an important role in endothelial cell regeneration.