An in vitro tissue angiogenesis and vasculogenesis system is disclosed that allows
the outgrowth of microvessels from a three-dimensional tissue fragment implanted
in a matrix. The matrix may, for example, be a fibrin- or collagen-based matrix
fed by a growth medium, for example, a mixture of tissue culture medium, serum,
or a layer of growth medium containing a defined mixture of growth factors. This
system, which may be used with human or other mammalian or animal tissues, may
be used in assaying tumor angiogenic potential, or in promoting angiogenesis in
other tissues, e.g., promoting angiogenesis prior to transplantation of a tissue.
The angiogenic potential of a tissue can be determined by measuring the growth
of microvessels into the matrix. The three-dimensional structure of the tumor or
other tissue is maintained in the matrix, including blood vessels. In another aspect,
the method allows for the proliferation of a tissue specimen, thus increasing the
mass of cells available for subsequent transplant; and the method also provides
for the proliferation of blood vessels from the tissue mass, thus enhancing the
chance of successful engraftment.
