Abstract
Angiogenesis is necessary for growth and metastasis of cancer. It is comprised of several distinct steps, including degradation of extracellular matrix, cell migration, proliferation, and structural reorganization (1). Inhibition of angiogenesis has been shown in pre-clinical studies to suppress tumor growth (2–4). Currently, the use of anti-angiogenic therapy in cancer is under intensive investigation (5). Several in vitro and in vivo assays are available to study angiogenesis, each with its own advantages and limitations (6). In vivo assays simulate the natural process but are often complicated by inflammatory host responses that may interfere with angiogenesis. Variables are more likely to be controlled using in vitro assays. However, these assays are performed using undefined media supplemented with serum, which in itself is very much angiogenic (7). In addition, most in vitro assays are designed only to look at selective phases (endothelial cell migration and proliferation) of angiogenesis.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Kumar, R., Yoneda, J., Bucana, C. D., and Fidler, I. J. (1998) Regulation of distinct steps of angiogenesis by different angiogenic molecules. Int. J. Oncol. 12, 749–757.
O’Reilly, M. S., Holmgren, L., Shing, Y., et al. (1994) Angiostatin: a novel angiogenesis inhibitor that mediates the suppression of metastases by a Lewis lung carcinoma. Cell 79, 315–328.
Fotsis, T., Zhang, Y., Pepper, M. S., et al. (1994) The endogenous oestrogen metabolite 2-methoxyoestradiol inhibits angiogenesis and suppresses tumor growth. Nature 368, 237–239.
O’Reilly, M. S., Pirie-Shepherd, S., Lane, W. S., and Folkman, J. (1999) Antiangiogenic activity of the cleaved conformation of the serpin antithrombin. Science 285, 1926–1928.
Ferrara, N. and Alitalo, K. (1999) Clinical applications of angiogenic growth factors and their inhibitors. Nat. Med. 5, 1359–1364.
Cockerill, G. W., Gamble, J. R., and Vadas, M. A. (1995) Angiogenesis: models and modulators. Int. Rev. Cytol. 159, 113–160.
Go, R. S. and Owen, W. G. (2000) Very low concentrations of rat plasma and rat serum stimulate angiogenesis in the rat aortic ring assay. Fibrinolysis Proteol. 19 (Suppl 1), 45.
Nicosia, R. F. and Ottinetti, A. (1990) Growth of microvessels in serum-free matrix culture of rat aorta: a quantitative assay of angiogenesis in vitro. Lab. Invest. 63, 115–122.
Villaschi, S. and Nicosia, R. F. (1993) Angiogenic role of endogenous basic fibroblast growth factor released by rat aorta after injury. Am. J. Pathol. 143, 181–190.
Nicosia, R. F., Lin, Y. J., Hazelton, D., and Qian, X. H. (1997) Endogenous regulation of angiogenesis in the rat aorta model: role of vascular endothelial growth factor. Am. J. Pathol. 151, 1379–1386.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2003 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ
About this protocol
Cite this protocol
Go, R.S., Owen, W.G. (2003). The Rat Aortic Ring Assay for In Vitro Study of Angiogenesis. In: Buolamwini, J.K., Adjei, A.A. (eds) Novel Anticancer Drug Protocols. Methods in Molecular Medicine, vol 85. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-380-1:59
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-380-1:59
Publisher Name: Humana Press
Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-963-6
Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-380-4
eBook Packages: Springer Protocols