ECGF (Crude Extract, cell culture grade)

Optimum concentration for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) range from 50-200 µg/ml, optimal concentration with heparin (50 µg/ml) is about 12 µg/ml.

Endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) is an extract of bovine brain containing growth promoting factors for vascular endothelial cells of mammalian origin. ECGF has also been reported to be beneficial as a media supplement for the fusion and growth of hybridoma cells in monoclonal antibody production. Endothelial cell growth factor is prepared using a modification of the method of Maciag, et al. (1979) lyophilized from a sterile solution containing NaCl and streptomycin sulfate. Endothelial cells from human umbilical vein (HUVEC) can be established as primary cultures by traditional methods. The serial propagation of these cells has proved to be difficult. The long-term propagation of these cells in vitro can be achieved with an extract prepared from bovine brain. The introduction of a fibronectin or collagen matrix to the cell culture system allows cultivating endothelial cells at clonal densities. With ECGF, the FCS requirement can be reduced. Heparin potentiates the mitogenic activity of crude preparations of ECGF. ECGF has also been reported to eliminate the need for feeder cells in the clonal growth of hybridomas and other cell types.

Reconstitute the contents of the vial in 2 ml of prewarmed (37 °C) sterile PBS or water. Gently rotate the vial until the contents are dissolved. This stock solution may be further diluted in sterile tissue culture media to obtain the desired working concentrations. It is recommended that medium containing diluted product is aseptically filtered prior to use.

Endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF); Endothelial cell growth supplement (ECGS)