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08:16
In Vivo Study of Human Endothelial-Pericyte Interaction Using the Matrix Gel Plug Assay in Mouse
Published on: December 19, 2016
Pericyte involvement in capillary sprouting during angiogenesis in situ
V Nehls1, K Denzer, D Drenckhahn
1Anatomisches Institut der Universität, Würzburg, Germany.
Cell and Tissue Research
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Microvascular pericytes play a key role in capillary sprouting during angiogenesis. These cells guide endothelial cell outgrowth by bridging gaps between advancing sprouts, aiding new blood vessel formation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Vascular Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a complex process involving endothelial cells and supporting cells.
- Microvascular pericytes are specialized cells that ensheath capillaries and are crucial for vascular development and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific role of microvascular pericytes in the early stages of capillary sprouting.
- To determine the cellular markers and localization of pericytes during angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Whole-mount preparations of rat mesentery were used to visualize capillary sprouts.
- Double immunofluorescence staining was employed to identify endothelial cells (rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin) and pericytes (anti-desmin antibody).
- Angiogenesis was induced using compound 48/80 or tumor cell-conditioned medium.
Main Results:
- Pericytes were identified as desmin-positive and negative for smooth-muscle alpha-actin during early sprouting.
- Pericytes were consistently observed at the tips of advancing endothelial sprouts.
- Pericytes were seen bridging gaps between merging endothelial sprouts, suggesting a guiding role.
Conclusions:
- Microvascular pericytes are involved in the earliest phases of capillary sprouting.
- Pericytic processes may act as structural guides for endothelial cell outgrowth during angiogenesis.
- Desmin is a reliable marker for identifying pericytes in this context.
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