Among oxysterols oxidized at C7 (7alpha-, 7beta-hydroxycholesterol, and 7-ketocholesterol), 7beta-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol involved in the cytotoxicity of oxidized low density lipoproteins (LDL) are potent inducers of apoptosis. Here, we asked whether all oxysterols oxidized at C7 were able to trigger apoptosis, to stimulate interleukin (IL)-Ibeta and/or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha secretion, and to enhance adhesion molecule expression (intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin) on human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVECs). Only 7beta-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol were potent inducers of apoptosis and of IL-1beta secretion. TNF-alpha secretion was never detected. Depending on the oxysterol considered, various levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression were observed. So, oxysterols oxidized at C7 differently injure and activate HUVECs, and the alpha- or beta-hydroxyl radical position plays a key role in apoptosis and IL-1beta secretion.