Standardization of a method to study angiogenesis in a mouse model

Abstract

In the adult organism, angiogenesis is restricted to a few physiological conditions. On the other hand, uncontrolled angiogenesis have often been associated to angiogenesis-dependent pathologies. A variety of animal models have been described to provide more quantitative analysis of in vivo angiogenesis and to characterize pro-and antiangiogenic molecules. However, it is still necessary to establish a quantitative, reproducible and specific method for studies of angiogenesis factors and inhibitors. This work aimed to standardize a method for the study of angiogenesis and to investigate the effects of thalidomide on angiogenesis. Sponges of 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 cm were implanted in the back of mice groups, control and experimental (thalidomide 200 mg/K/day by gavage). After seven days, the sponges were removed. The dosage of hemoglobin in sponge and in circulation was performed and the ratio between the values was tested using nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Results have shown that sponge-induced angiogenesis quantitated by ratio between hemoglobin content in serum and in sponge is a helpful model for in vivo studies on angiogenesis. Moreover, it was observed that sponge-induced angiogenesis can be suppressed by thalidomide, corroborating to the validity of the standardized method.

Study of Angiogenesis-Related Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

“…Under anesthesia, animals had the hair from the dorsal area removed and an incision of 0.5 cm was made, complying with all asepsis standards, exposing the subcutaneous tissue. A sterile sponge measuring 0.5 X 0.5X 0.5 cm was inserted into the subcutaneous tissue of each mouse as described by Feder et al (2013). The mice were followed up throughout a week, a period when they received analgesics (morphine 2.5 mg/kg IM-single dose) daily.…”