Sponge implant model of inflammatory angiogenesis

Abstract

Inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrogenesis are key components of physiological (wound repair) and pathological conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cancer). These processes can be induced using implantation of biomaterials allowing, therefore the characterization of cellular and molecular events involved in the development of the fibrovascular tissue. Damage to tissue is resolved through a series of overlapping phases (inflammation, cell proliferation/migration and tissue remodeling) leading to variable outcomes depending on various systemic and/or local factors. The implantation technique has been used for the assessment of the various phases of normal healing as well as the foreign body reaction. This approach has characterized the mechanisms regulating the response to injury represented by the implant and the influence of a number of factors (pathological conditions, genetic manipulation). In addition, modulation of the process by potential therapeutic compounds has been extensively studied using synthetic matrix-based methodology. We provide here a detailed description of the methodology.