In vitro assay for modelling angiogenesis

摘要

A multicellular assay for modelling the combined stages of angiogenesis (proliferation, migration and differentiation) comprises providing a dual culture of endothelial cells together with another cell type, such as fibroblasts, which interacts therewith to display said stages in vitro, and monitoring subsequent angiogenesis. Culture may take place in a standard medium with no additional growth factors, the culture medium being changed at regular intervals. The cells may particularly be Human Adult Dermal Fibroblasts and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells in a cell ratio of about 2:1 to 8:1. The assay may also be used for the screening of agents for promoting or inhibiting angiogenesis or to indicate the potential for use of a drug in tumour therapy or as a wound healing agent.