Fluorescent angiogenesis models using gelfoam® implanted in transgenic mice expressing fluorescent proteins

Area of Science:

• * Biomedical Engineering
• * Developmental Biology
• * Cancer Research

Background:

• * Fidler's group previously established an in vivo angiogenesis assay using Gelfoam(®) sponges.
• * Vessels were detected using fluorescent antibodies against CD31.
• * Nestin promoter-driven green fluorescent protein (ND-GFP) mice were utilized.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To develop and validate a novel Gelfoam(®)-based in vivo angiogenesis model.
• * To visualize and quantify angiogenesis and its interactions with cancer cells.
• * To assess blood vessel anastomosis using advanced imaging techniques.

Main Methods:

• * Gelfoam(®) sponges were impregnated with agarose and proangiogenic factors, then implanted in ND-GFP mice.
• * Angiogenesis was quantified by measuring nascent blood vessel length using in vivo fluorescence microscopy.
• * Color-coded imaging models were developed to visualize cancer cell-blood vessel interactions and vessel anastomosis.

Main Results:

• * Gelfoam(®) sponges rapidly vascularized with ND-GFP-expressing nascent blood vessels.
• * A network of nascent blood vessels formed on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-treated Gelfoam(®).
• * Color-coded imaging successfully visualized interactions between osteosarcoma cells and blood vessels, and blood vessel anastomosis.

Conclusions:

• * The Gelfoam(®) in vivo angiogenesis model is effective for studying vascularization.
• * Fluorescent protein labeling enhances visualization of angiogenesis and related processes.
• * This model serves as a powerful tool for discovering and evaluating agents that influence vascularization.