New murine model of spontaneous autologous tissue engineering, combining an arteriovenous pedicle with matrix materials

The authors previously described a model of tissue engineering in rats that involves the insertion of a vascular pedicle and matrix material into a semirigid closed chamber, which is buried subcutaneously. The purpose of this study was to develop a comparable model in mice, which could enable genetic mutants to be used to more extensively study the mechanisms of the angiogenesis, matrix production, and cellular migration and differentiation that occur in these models. A model that involves placing a split silicone tube around blood vessels in the mouse groin was developed and was demonstrated to successfully induce the formation of new vascularized tissue. Two vessel configurations, namely, a flow-through pedicle (n = 18 for three time points) and a ligated vascular pedicle (n = 18), were compared. The suitability of chambers constructed from either polycarbonate or silicone and the effects of incorporating either Matrigel equivalent (n = 18) or poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (n = 18) on angiogenesis and tissue production were also tested. Empty chambers, chambers with vessels only, and chambers with matrix only served as control chambers. The results demonstrated that a flow-through type of vascular pedicle, rather than a ligated pedicle, was more reliable in terms of patency, angiogenesis, and tissue production, as were silicone chambers, compared with polycarbonate chambers. Marked angiogenesis occurred with both types of extracellular matrix scaffolds, and there was evidence that native cells could migrate into and survive within the added matrix, generating a vascularized three-dimensional construct. When Matrigel was used as the matrix, the chambers filled with adipose tissue, creating a highly vascularized fat flap. In some cases, new breast-like acini and duct tissue appeared within the fat. When poly(dl-lactic-co-glycolic acid) was used, the chambers filled with granulation and fibrous tissue but no fat or breast tissue was observed. No significant amount of tissue was generated in the control chambers. Operative times were short (25 minutes), and two chambers could be inserted into each mouse. In summary, the authors have developed an in vivo murine model for studying angiogenesis and tissue-engineering applications that is technically simple and quick to establish, has a high patency rate, and is well tolerated by the animals.