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Coronary vascularization during development in the rat and its relationship to basic fibroblast growth factor
R J Tomanek1, L Haung, P R Suvarna
1Department of Anatomy, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Cardiovascular Research
|February 1, 1996
Summary
This study maps rat coronary vascular development, revealing a sequence from epicardium to endocardium. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression correlates with key growth phases, suggesting its crucial role.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Development
- Developmental Biology
- Angiogenesis Research
Background:
- Coronary vascularization is essential for heart function.
- Understanding the developmental timeline and molecular regulation is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the temporal and spatial sequence of coronary vascular development in rats.
- To investigate the correlation between basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression and coronary vascularization phases.
Main Methods:
- Utilized immunohistochemistry, histochemistry, morphometry, and in situ hybridization.
- Analyzed prenatal and postnatal rat hearts across various developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Coronary vascularization initiates at embryonic day 13 (E13) in the epicardium, progressing transmurally.
- Vascular smooth muscle and main coronary arteries form by E17, with postnatal remodeling and differentiation.
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA expression peaks during early vascularization (E14-E15) and early neonatal periods, coinciding with microvascular growth.
Conclusions:
- Coronary vascularization follows a defined sequence: transmural capillary expansion, aortic penetration for arteriolar formation, and postnatal growth/remodeling.
- High basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression correlates with critical coronary vascular growth periods, indicating a potential regulatory role.