Designing an Experimental Angiogenesis Model in a Three Dimensional Matrix of Fibrin to Evaluate Neoplastic Growth Inhibitors

Introduction: Angiogenesis play an important role in many physiological processes (embryonic growth, tissue repair, etc) and also in pathological ones (diabetes, retinopathy, arthritis, tumor growth, etc). Evaluation of endothelial cell growth and finally new vessel development in vivo is a complex and often difficult task.

Materials & Methods: To address this issue an in vitro experimental angiogenesis model was designed. This model is controllable, has a high reproducibility rate and at the same time enables the user to study various parameters involved in angiogenesis.  This model used beads covered with endothelial cells of bone marrow capillaries as source of endothelial cells and therefore the three-dimensional structure required for endothelial cell growth by fibrin gel was created.

Results: Growth migration of endothelial cells is provided through fibrin gel.  In this model 5-7 days after culturing endothelial cells, the growth and migration of cells (and therefore formation of capillaries) were observed branching out from the source endothelial cells.

Conclusion: Using this model, angiogenic and anti-angiogenic agents can be studied and screened.