Implantation of VEGF transfected preadipocytes improves vascularization of fibrin implants on the cylinder chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model.

The successful substitution or augmentation of soft tissues by implantation of three dimensional cell constructs, consisting of human preadipocytes and fibrin glue as a carrier matrix, requires a rapid and homogeneous vascularization of the whole implant in order to provide a sufficient blood supply of centrally situated cells. Previous investigations have shown that under in vivo conditions primary human preadipocytes induce vascularization of fibrin matrices by secretion of several growth factors, such as VEGF and bFGF. The current study investigates whether vascularization of implants can be improved by transplantation of preadipocytes following transfection with a VEGF-vector.

Adipose precursor cells (preadipocytes) induce formation of new vessels in fibrin glue on the newly developed cylinder chorioallantoic membrane model (CAM).

Successful augmentation of soft tissues by transplantation of preadipocytes within a matrix requires the formation of a new capillary network with connection to the host vessel system. Particularly, cells located centrally within the transplanted cell-matrix-construct represent a population with a blood supply questionable for survival. We demonstrated that under in vivo conditions preadipocytes possess the ability to induce and support the vascularization of the implant presumably by expression of several growth factors, such as VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor).

Chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis model for tissue engineering: a new twist on a classic model.

Tissue-engineering (TE) applications include the isolation, culture, and seeding of cells into a suitable matrix or scaffold before in vivo transplantation. After transplantation, vascularization of the scaffold is a principal limiting factor for cell viability for the first 6-8 days posttransplantation. A model for systematic analysis of this process has been developed.