The HUVEC/Matrigel Assay: An In Vivo Assay of Human Angiogenesis Suitable for Drug Validation
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The future ability to manipulate the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) holds great promise for treating ischemic
disease and cancer. Several models of human in vivo angiogenesis have been described, but they seem to depend on transgenic
support and have not been validated in a therapeutic context. Here, we describe an in vivo assay that mimics human angiogenesis
in which native human umbilical vein-derived endothelial cells are suspended in a liquid laminin/collagen gel (Matrigel),
injected into immunodeficient mice, and develop into mature, functional vessels that vascularize the Matrigel plug in the
course of 30 d. Moreover, we demonstrate how to target this process therapeutically by sustained delivery of the angiogenesis
inhibitor endostatin from subcutaneously implanted microosmotic pumps.