A Modified Aortic Ring Assay to Assess Angiogenic Potential In Vitro.

Angiogenesis, an integral part of many physiological and pathological processes, is a tightly regulated multistep process. Angiogenesis assays are used to clarify the molecular mechanisms and screen for pharmacological inhibitors. However, most in vitro angiogenesis models measure only one aspect of this process, whereas in vivo assays are complex and difficult to interpret. The ex vivo aortic ring model allows the study of many key features of angiogenesis, such as endothelial activation, branching, and remodeling as well as later steps such as pericyte acquisition. This model can be modified to include genetic manipulation and can be used to assess the pro- or anti-angiogenic effects of compounds in a relatively controlled system.