Quantitative Analysis of Angiogenesis in the Allantois Explant Model

摘要: The murine allantois represents a powerful system for the analysis of developmental angiogenesis ex vivo, producing complex vascular network in less than day’s time. This can be visualised by appropriate antibody staining. Angiogenesis explants occurs absence external, confounding factors. Since is taken at an early stage, it useful studying embryonic lethal mutations with no need breeding conditional knock-outs. In addition, are testing inhibitors without any animal procedures. Manual quantification networks time and labour intensive. We developed AngioTool, piece software which allows quick, hands-off reproducible microscopic images networks. AngioTool available free charge was explant, although also suitable other systems. Parameters measured include overall size network, average total vessel length, percentage area covered vessels number endpoints. calculates so-called “branching index” (branch points/unit explant), measuring sprouting activity explant whilst correcting its size. entire experimental protocol including takes ≈5 days to complete.