Morphology of capillary-like structures in a three-dimensional aorta/collagen gel culture

The morphology of capillary-like tubes was investigated by electron microscopy (TEM and SEM) using an in vitro model of capillarogenesis (aorta/collagen type I gel). This model allowed morphological comparisons with in vivo capillaries and an evaluation of the functional maturity of the endothelium to be made. The lumina developing in vitro were demarcated by endothelial cells of varying thickness (0.1-2 microns). Pericytes were resting on the outside. The endothelial cells were characterized by contacts of varying length with tight and gap junctions and occasional indentations. The inner surface exhibited areas both with pronounced and without any endocytotic activity. In addition to a large Golgi apparatus, a varying number of cell organelles occurred depending on the thickness of the endothelium. Bundles consisting of microfilaments were often located underneath the outer cell membrane and in the vicinity of contact areas. A lamina densa was in the process of formation. The capillaries grown in vitro closely resembled those in vivo and showed a high degree of differentiation. Hence, this in vitro model allows the study of a number of functions of endothelial cells.