RSS Feeds

Earth Science

Space Science

Life Science

Fields of Scientific Study

Nanotechnology

Cancer

Definitions of The Fields of Scientific Study

Human vascular system in mice

April 15, 2008

The formation of new blood vessels, or angiogenesis, is an Achilles' heel of tumor growth, because tumors depend on the supply of oxygen and nutrients for survival. Therefore, for some years now substances called angiogenesis inhibitors have been used in cancer treatment to suppress this process. In order to advance this new research field, a team of researchers headed by Professor Hellmut Augustin has developed a method to create a complex human vascular system in mice, which stays functional even after several months.

The method is based on the observation that isolated cells of the vessel walls, called endothelial cells, congregate spontaneously in cell cultures to form aggregates known as spheroids. "Individual endothelial cells floating in suspension are doomed to die - the association in spheroids stabilizes them," says Hellmut Augustin. The scientists Abdullah Alajati and Anna Laib have been able to inject such spheroids, embedded in a gel matrix, under the skin of mice and to stimulate the formation of a network of human blood vessels by means of growth factors. The mice were genetically modified in such a way that their immune system was unable to reject the foreign cells. "The newly formed blood vessels are made exclusively of human endothelial cells," explains Anna Laib, a young researcher at the DKFZ. "At the matrix borders the human endothelial cells establish contact with those of the mouse. In this way, the transplanted human vasculature gets connected to the blood circulation of the mouse."

The method provides experimental freedom and may deliver answers to various questions of vascular biology research. Scientists can genetically manipulate the endothelial cells before transplantation in order to investigate the formation of vascular networks. In addition, it is possible to test the effect of pharmacological substances; the Freiburg-based company ProQinase GmbH, which is involved in the study, is already conducting such experiments. "The method is even interesting for the production of artificial tissues," Hellmut Augustin says. "So far, one difficulty with the use of artificial replacement tissues has been to create a functioning vascular system that sufficiently supplies the tissue constructs."

Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

Related Vascular System Current Events and Vascular System News Articles

Vascular System Current Events and Vascular System News RSS

Getting down to details
Dave Wilson was dissatisfied with blurry, low-sensitivity optical images of diseased tissues. So, four years ago he set out to create a better imager.

Insulin boost restores muscle growth in elderly
When most people think of insulin, they think of diabetes - a disease that arises when, for one reason or another, insulin can't do the critical job of helping the body process sugar.

An innovative surgical technique gives hope to patients suffering from refractory epilepsy
Clinicians from the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) have perfected an operation, which was previously considered too dangerous, to control refractory insular epilepsy, using an innovative microsurgery technique.

Model for new generation of blood vessels challenged
In-growth and new generation of blood vessels, which must take place if a wound is to heal or a tumor is to grow, have been thought to occur through a branching and further growth of a vessel against a chemical gradient of growth factors.

Genetic factors may predict depression in heart disease patients
Individuals with heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from depression as the general population, an association the medical community has largely been unable to explain.

Risk of vibration-induced vascular injuries linked to vibration frequency differences
Speaking on April 19 at the Experimental Biology 2009 meeting in New Orleans, Dr. Kristine Krajnak, a team leader in the Engineering and Control Technologies Branch of the Health Effects Laboratory Division of NIOSH in Morgantown, West Virginia, describes results from the first study to directly link the different physical responses of tissue that occur with exposure to different vibration frequencies with biological mechanisms underlying the development of vascular dysfunction.

Researchers examine bacterial rice diseases, search for genetic solutions
As a major food source for much of the world, rice is one of the most important plants on earth.

Study shows direct link between leptin and obesity-related cardiovascular disease
Obese people who don't have high cholesterol or diabetes might think they're healthy - despite the extra pounds.

Eye conditions linked with obstructive sleep apnea
If a good night's sleep helps the brain and body perform better, it's a good guess that sleep problems can cause more than just fatigue. Numerous studies have shown a connection between sleep disorders and medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and metabolic disorders, including the risk of obesity and diabetes mellitus. In the November issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Mayo Clinic researchers outline several interesting associations between sleep disorders and eye disease.

Gladstone scientists identify single microRNA that controls blood vessel development
Scientists from the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (GICD) and UCSF have identified a key regulatory factor that controls development of the human vascular system, the extensive network of arteries, veins, and capillaries that allow blood to reach all tissues and organs.

More Vascular System Current Events and Vascular System News Articles

	Dynamics of the Vascular System (Series on Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering - Vol. 1) by John K-J Li (Author) Recent advances in vascular biology and vascular engineering have led to the understanding and integration of the two fields. A feature that is fundamental to both is the dynamic aspects of the vascular system. Although the basic principles governing blood flow and the circulatory function are known, new approaches to examining the interaction of different parts of the vascular system have emerged. These include measurement techniques and quantitative methods with greater use of modern technology and computer modeling. An obvious need therefore exists for a book that deals specifically with the dynamics of the vascular system. This book begins with the historical discoveries of the features of the vascular system and its importance in the overall circulatory function. Modern aspects...
	Vascular System and Viscera Anatomical Chart Laminated by Anatomical Chart Company Classic illustrations by Peter Bachin. Shows system on body. Illustrates heart (right anterior, left anterior, and posterior views), heart in systole, female pelvis, base of the brain, and branches of abdominal aorta and portal vein.
	Vascular System According to Etienne, De D'Issectione Partium Corporis Humani Libri Tres, 1545 Giclee Poster Print by French School, 18x24 by Art.com Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art prints, posters, photographs, and framed artwork. With our huge selection of over 400,000 prints, you'll easily find the perfect piece for your home, office, or classroom. Our art is printed on quality paper. When you order framed artwork, the piece is built by our team of in-house professionals. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/artdotcom to find Special Offers and search for products based on 'Artist Name' and 'Subject Categories' such as Movie, Music, Vintage, TV, Children, Travel, Kitchen, Museum Art, Animals, Floral, Motivational, and Sports. Art.com is dedicated to providing you with high quality products and service by offering you 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your...
	The Heart and Circulation (1937) [DVD] Heart and Circulation gives a complete view of the heart and the circulation system through use of animated diagrams, vivisection, and other techniques. The hearts ability to speed up or slow down according to various stimuli is shown as an excised turtle heart is bathed in a saline solution to make it speed up. Conversely, a dogs heart is made to slow down through the stimulation of the vagus nerve. A stethoscope is used on a baby, a young man, and an old man in order to show the difference in heart beats. Then, the difference between arteries, veins, and capillaries is discussed, with various views of all. Blood pressure, exercises effect on the heart, and the Hales blood pressure apparatus are also shown. This is an extremely valuable educational film that demonstrates old scientific...
	Saunders Physical Examination & Health Assessment: Cardiovascular System: Peripheral Vascular System And Lymphatic System Video [VHS] Starring: Saunders
	Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Horse Chestnut, 300 mg, Tablets, 120 tablets (Pack of 2) by Planetary Formulas Herbal supplement. 20% Acescin. Supports the integrity of the veins and capillaries. Formulated by Michael Tierra L.Ac, O.M.D. Almost unknown in America, horse chestnut is a staple of European herbalism. Horse chestnut is rich in saponins and flavones, w
	Anatomical Chart Company Vascular System And Viscera Chart by Anatomical Chart Company Classic illustrations by Peter Bachin. Shows system on body. Illustrates heart (right anterior, left anterior, and posterior views), heart in systole, female pelvis, base of the brain, and branches of abdominal aorta and portal vein. Size: 20" W x 26" L
	Vascular System and Viscera Anatomical Chart by Anatomical Chart Company (Editor) Classic illustrations by Peter Bachin. Shows system on body. Illustrates heart (right anterior, left anterior, and posterior views), heart in systole, female pelvis, base of the brain, and branches of abdominal aorta and portal vein.
	Vascular System & Viscera Anatomy EXAM Notes by The Staff of REA (Author)
	Atlas of Duplex Ultrasonography: Essential Images of the Vascular System by Sergio Salles-Cunha (Author), George A. Andros (Author)