The impact of VEGF and bFGF on vascular stereomorphology in the context of angiogenic neo-arborisation after vascular induction

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • E. Polykandriotis - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • A. Arkudas - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • J. P. Beier - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • A. Dragu - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • S. Rath - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • G. Pryymachuk - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • V. J. Schmidt - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • A. Lametschwandtner - , University of Salzburg (Author)
  • R. E. Horch - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • U. Kneser - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)

Abstract

The aim of this in vivo study was to gather quantitative information on the three-dimensional morphology of a new vascular network under the influence of angioactive growth factors. For this purpose, the arteriovenous loop model was used in 10 Lewis rats to generate a bioartificial vascular assembly by means of vascular induction. In this model, an isolated organoid is created in the medial thigh of the animal by methods of tissue engineering. A fibrin gel containing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF 165) and basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) was used as a matrix in the effect group (GF+). Fibrin matrices devoid of growth factors were used as controls (GF-). A microvascular replica of the organoid was created by means of corrosion casting and the network was investigated on stereo-paired images obtained by scanning electron microscopy. Vectors of intercapillary and interbranching distances as well as the diameter of the pores in the intussusceptive events diameter and the ratio of sprouting versus intussusceptive angiogenic events were compared in the two groups. The results were highly significant. In the GF+ group there were more profound three-dimensional morphological traits of angiogenesis, whereas advanced neovascularisation in the phase of remodelling was demonstrated by a higher incidence of intussusception, compared to control. These results illustrate the importance of morphological studies with focus on the generation of three-dimensional vascular networks.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)267-274
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Electron Microscopy
Volume60
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2011
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 21622976
ORCID /0000-0003-4633-2695/work/145698717

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • 3D morphology, arteriovenous loop, bFGF, fibrin matrix, regenerative medicine, VEGF