Biochemical modulation of angiogenesis in the chorioallantoic membrane of the chick embryo

Abstract

A variety of substances potentially having effects on angiogenesis in the skin were assayed on the chorioallantoic membrane of the chicken embryo (CAM). Millipore filter discs alone and saturated with saline 0.9% (controls), keratinocyte-conditioned medium, lactic acid 10-1 M, adenosine 10-4 M, sodium fluoride 10-4 M, dinitrophenol 10-4 M, histamine 10-4 M, 5-hydroxytryptamine 10-4 M, acetylcholine 10-4 M, prostaglandin E2 3 x 10-4 M, prostaglandin F2α 3 x 10-4 M, arachidonic acid 10-4 M, epidermal growth factor 5 x 10-5 g/ml, human plasma fibronectin 10-4 g/ml, acetylsalicylic acid 10-3 M, and arachis oil were applied to the CAM and the vascular responses quantitated 4 days later. None of the agents with the exception of keratinocyte-conditioned medium stimulated new vessel growth as compared to the controls. However, arachis oil (p < 0.001) and ADP (p < 0.01) were assoicated with significantly decreased vascular responses relative to controls. The specimens incubated with saline, fibronectin, ADP, and arachis oil were examined histologically; with the exception of arachis oil all displayed ectodermal epithelial and mesenchymal hyperplasia of the membrane in association with increased vascularity. Almost no perceptible change was noted histologically with arachis oil.