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Delayed vasculogenesis and impaired angiogenesis due to altered Ang-2 and VE-cadherin levels in the chick embryo model following exposure to cadmium

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Abstract

Purpose

Cadmium (Cd) causes chick embryo malformation and abnormal extra-embryonic vasculature. This study investigates the effect of Cd on vasculogenesis, quantifies extra-embryonic vascular development following exposure to cadmium acetate (CdAc).

Methods

After 48 or 60 h incubation, chicks were explanted and treated with 50 µl of 50 µM CdAc or equimolar sodium acetate. Embryos were again incubated then re-examined 4, 8, 24 and 48 h later. Gross morphological and histological manifestations were noted. Vasculogenesis was assessed by the development of omphalomesenteric vessels from blood islands. Sinus terminalis (ST), area vasculosa (AV), vessel density and embryo crown-rump length (CRL) were measured. Ang-2 and VE-cadherin mRNA expression was analysed by RT-PCR.

Results

Vasculogenesis was delayed on gross and histological examination. ST length, AV area, vessel density and CRL were significantly reduced in the Cd group. Ang-2 was increased 4 h after exposure to Cd, whereas VE-cadherin was reduced.

Conclusion

Cd exposure inhibits normal development of extra-embryonic vasculature in line with growth retardation of the chick embryo in association with altered expression of Ang-2 and VE-cadherin.

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Abbreviations

AV:

Area vasculosa

EEM:

Extra-embryonic membrane

ST:

Sinus terminalis

Cd:

Cadmium

VV:

Vitelline vein

RT-PCR:

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction

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  1. School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

    A. Gheorghescu & J. Thompson

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Gheorghescu, A., Thompson, J. Delayed vasculogenesis and impaired angiogenesis due to altered Ang-2 and VE-cadherin levels in the chick embryo model following exposure to cadmium. Pediatr Surg Int 32, 175–186 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-015-3830-9

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