Primary Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HPMEC) are isolated from the lung from a single donor. Since lung tissue contains blood and lymphatic capillaries, HPMEC comprise Blood and Lymphatic Microvascular Endothelial Cells. The cells are routinely analyzed by immunofluorescent staining: they stain positive for CD31 and von Willebrand factor and negative for smooth muscle α-actin.
The lung has a vast endothelial surface area, which is essential for the exchange of gases. HPMEC are most appropriate for studying human lung diseases.