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The Textbook of Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis: Methods and Applications pp 127–148Cite as

Preparation and Analysis of Aortic Ring Cultures for the Study of Angiogenesis Ex Vivo

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Abstract

Protocols outlined in this chapter illustrate how to prepare and analyze angiogenic cultures of rat or mouse aorta. Aortic rings embedded in gels of extracellular matrix generate vascular outgrowths that can be visualized and monitored over time with inverted microscopy. The angiogenic response is measured by counting vessels or with image analysis. The expression of angioregulatory genes is evaluated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and ELISA. Angiogenesis is modulated by adding growth factors, cytokines or chemical inhibitors to the growth medium. Aortic rings isolated from genetically modified animals or transduced with viral vectors are used to evaluate how gene disruption or overexpression affects the angiogenic response. Aortic ring cultures can be used to investigate molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis and test the efficacy of stimulators and inhibitors of the angiogenic process. As such this assay is an invaluable tool for both basic and applied angiogenesis research.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services, Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, 98108, WA, USA

    Roberto F. Nicosia M.D., Ph.D.

  2. Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Roberto F. Nicosia M.D., Ph.D., Giovanni Ligresti & Alfred C. Aplin

Authors
  1. Roberto F. Nicosia M.D., Ph.D.
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  2. Giovanni Ligresti
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  3. Alfred C. Aplin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Roberto F. Nicosia M.D., Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Angiogenesis Core Facility, Grovemont Circle, Suite 115 8717, Gaithersburg, 20877, Maryland, USA

    Enrique Zudaire

  2. Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Angiogenesis Core Facility, Grovemont Circle, Suite 115 8717, Gaithersburg, 20877, Maryland, USA

    Frank Cuttitta

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© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Nicosia, R.F., Ligresti, G., Aplin, A.C. (2012). Preparation and Analysis of Aortic Ring Cultures for the Study of Angiogenesis Ex Vivo. In: Zudaire, E., Cuttitta, F. (eds) The Textbook of Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis: Methods and Applications. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4581-0_7

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