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Development and Characterization of In Vitro Microvessel Network and Quantitative Measurements of Endothelial [Ca2+]i and Nitric Oxide Production
Published on: May 19, 2016
Ionizing radiation decreases capillary-like structure formation by endothelial cells in vitro
Mansur Ahmad1, Neerja R Khurana, Joby E Jaberi
1Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. ahmad005@umn.edu
Microvascular Research
|October 10, 2006
Summary
Ionizing radiation impacts endothelial cell proliferation and blood vessel formation. Irradiated endothelial cells can form fewer, smaller capillary-like structures, crucial for tissue engineering in radiotherapy patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiation Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Successful tissue engineering in radiotherapy patients requires irradiated endothelial cells (EC) to form new blood vessels.
- Understanding neovasculogenesis by irradiated EC is critical for vascularizing engineered tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ionizing radiation on endothelial cell proliferation.
- To determine the impact of ionizing radiation on capillary-like structure (CLS) formation by endothelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) were exposed to single or fractionated doses of ionizing radiation.
- Cell proliferation was quantified by direct cell counting.
- Capillary-like structure (CLS) formation and morphology were analyzed using photomicrographs.
Main Results:
- A single 8 Gy radiation dose was highly lethal to HUVEC, with greater inhibitory effects on proliferation compared to fractionated doses.
- Irradiated EC formed fewer and smaller CLS than sham cells.
- Doses of 4 Gy or higher significantly reduced CLS number by disrupting peripheral cells, with a more pronounced effect on larger CLS.
Conclusions:
- Ionizing radiation impairs endothelial cell proliferation and neovasculogenesis.
- Irradiated endothelial cells can form capillary-like structures, but their quantity and size are reduced.
- These findings are significant for optimizing tissue engineering strategies in radiotherapy patients.
