Monoclonal antibodies to VE-cadherin inhibit the organization of vascularlike structures in endothelial cells.

Endothelial cell monolayers were cultured in a 3D fibrin gel (see “Materials and methods”). After 48 hours, cells reorganize in cords and tubes. In the presence of mAbs to VE-cadherin BV6, BV9, and Cad 5 (50 μg/mL), the formation of the cord network was blocked. Monoclonal antibodies TEA 1.31 or Hec 1.2 (50 μg/mL) did not change the reorganization pattern as compared with control (bar = 30 μm).