Primary cultures of endothelial cells were prepared from the arteries and veins of human umbilical cords. Both arterial and venous endothelial cells demonstrated specific receptors for the insulin-like growth factor MSA (Multiplication-Stimulating Activity). Insulin, at concentrations up to 10(-7) M, had little effect on 125I-MSA binding whereas MSA was congruent to 1% as potent as insulin in competing with 125I-insulin binding. Serum containing anti-insulin receptor antibodies blocked binding of 125I-insulin to the endothelial cells but had little effect on 125I-MSA binding. We conclude that human endothelial cells have specific and distinct receptors for both MSA and insulin.