| dc.description.abstract | The interrelationship between angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis is inadequately researched. Endothelial cells are key role players in both processes of vascular formations. The purpose of this project was to use in vitro 3D sprouting assay to investigate the contribution of lymphatic endothelial cells to blood endothelial cell’s angiogenesis. The hope is that the project will contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between the two endothelial cells during vessel formation. The approach used in effort to achieve this was culturing both lymphatic endothelial cells (LEDs) and blood endothelial cells (ECs). Further, the LECs and ECs were incorporated onto microcarriers in three different ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1). The three different ratios were imbedded in a fibrin gel. Their development from day one to day four was documented. Additionally, the ECs had been modified to express green fluorescence enabling us to verify that the incorporation of a ratio was successful. The 2:1 and 1:2 ratios resulted in a similar, albeit lower, sprouting rate than that of the 1:1 ratio. These results suggest that the process of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis might be more effective when equal amounts of ECs and LECs are incorporated to the beads. Ultimately, more research is needed to understand how LECs contributes and interacts with ECs during angiogenesis. This knowledge could greatly impact the development of treatments for diseases linked to this process, such as cancer. | |
