Primary Human Uterine Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HUtMEC) are isolated from the myometrium (middle layer of the uterine wall) from a single donor who is not pre-treated with hormones. The cells are routinely analysed by immunofluorescent staining: they stain positive for CD31 and von Willebrand factor and negative for smooth muscle alpha-actin.

During pregnancy HUtMEC propagate intensely and change their phenotype and expression pattern in response to sex steroids. This includes up-regulation of HUtMEC nitric oxide synthase activity, modulation of adhesion molecule expression, and an increase in endothelial cell survival and angiogenic activity. HUtMEC are involved in medical conditions like uterine fibroma or adenomysis.

Applications include: Angiogenesis research, oncology, drug uptake studies, cell-cell junction investigation, inflammation studies.