Adhesion, proliferation and maturation of vascular endothelial cells in cultures derived from the bovine pulmonary artery (line CPAE) were studied on Ti/C:H or Ag/C:H films prepared on glass using dc magnetron plasma deposition. The concentration of Ti or AG in the films ranged from 0% to 20%. On Ag/C:H layers, increasing concentration of silver markedly decreased cell viability. Only samples with very low silver content allowed cell spreading and formation of continuous endothelial layer. Although long-term presence of this material in patient's organism would not be advantageous, antimicrobial effect of silver may be favorable for short term applications, e.g. coating of catheters. On Ti/C:H layers, the cells were similarly or more active in adhesion, proliferation and maturation than those on glass or pure amorphous carbon, respectively. This material could be suitable for long-term use in both soft and hard tissue surgery, e.g. for inner coating of vascular prostheses or surface modification of artificial bone implants.