The Arteriovenous (AV) Loop in a Small Animal Model to Study Angiogenesis and Vascularized Tissue Engineering

Weigand A, Beier J, Arkudas A, Al-Abboodi M, Polykandriotis E, Horch RE, Boos A (2016)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2016

Journal

Journal of Visualized Experiments MYJoVE Corporation

Journal Issue: 117

DOI: 10.3791/54676

Abstract

A functional blood vessel network is a prerequisite for the survival and growth of almost all tissues and organs in the human body. Moreover, in pathological situations such as cancer, vascularization plays a leading role in disease progression. Consequently, there is a strong need for a standardized and well-characterized in vivo model in order to elucidate the mechanisms of neovascularization and develop different vascularization approaches for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. We describe a microsurgical approach for a small animal model for induction of a vascular axis consisting of a vein and artery that are anastomosed to an arteriovenous (AV) loop. The AV loop is transferred to an enclosed implantation chamber to create an isolated microenvironment in vivo, which is connected to the living organism only by means of the vascular axis. Using 3D imaging (MRI, micro-CT) and immunohistology, the growing vasculature can be visualized over time. By implanting different cells, growth factors and matrices, their function in blood vessel network formation can be analyzed without any disturbing influences from the surroundings in a well controllable environment. In addition to angiogenesis and antiangiogenesis studies, the AV loop model is also perfectly suited for engineering vascularized tissues. After a certain prevascularization time, the generated tissues can be transplanted into the defect site and microsurgically connected to the local vessels, thereby ensuring immediate blood supply and integration of the engineered tissue. By varying the matrices, cells, growth factors and chamber architecture, it is possible to generate various tissues, which can then be tailored to the individual patient's needs.

Authors with CRIS profile

Annika Kengelbach-Weigand Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery Andreas Arkudas Medizinische Fakultät Majida Al-Abboodi Professur für Plastische Chirurgie und Handchirurgie Raymund Horch Professur für Plastische Chirurgie und Handchirurgie Anja Boos Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery

Involved external institutions

Sana Klinikum Hof ​​ DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Weigand, A., Beier, J., Arkudas, A., Al-Abboodi, M., Polykandriotis, E., Horch, R.E., & Boos, A. (2016). The Arteriovenous (AV) Loop in a Small Animal Model to Study Angiogenesis and Vascularized Tissue Engineering. Journal of Visualized Experiments, 117. https://dx.doi.org/10.3791/54676

MLA:

Weigand, Annika, et al. "The Arteriovenous (AV) Loop in a Small Animal Model to Study Angiogenesis and Vascularized Tissue Engineering." Journal of Visualized Experiments 117 (2016).

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