Lymphokines induce changes in morphology and enhance motility of endothelial cells.

The influence of lymphokines, the soluble mediators produced by lymphocytes, on the morphology and the motility of endothelial cells in vitro is described. Lymphokines induced an altered morphology and an increased motility of canine and human venous endothelial cells. The action of the lymphokines was species specific. The data are discussed in relation to in vitro and in vivo data on the behavior of endothelial cells in inflammation. The in vitro experiments allow further study of the role of endothelial cells in inflammatory and immunological processes.