Abstract
Background: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) isoforms have been implicated as both pro- and anti-angiogenic modulators. In this study we addressed the roles of TGF-β isoforms on coronary tubulogenesis. Methods: Embryonic (E6) quail ventricular specimens were explanted onto collagen gels allowing endothelial cells to migrate and form vascular tubes. Growth factors and/or neutralizing growth factor antibodies were added to the cultures. Endothelial cells were identified using a quail endothelial cell marker, QH1. Image analysis was used to quantify aggregate tube length. Results: Addition of any isoform (TGF-β1, TGF-β2 or TGF-β3) virtually prevented tubulogenesis (>95% inhibition), while stimulation of tubulogenesis occurred by adding neutralizing antibodies to TGF-β3, but not to TGF-β1 or -β2. When all three isoforms were added, tubulogenesis was enhanced, indicating the key role of TGF-β3. Documentation of the inhibitory effect of TGF-β isoforms on tubulogenesis is further supported by our experiments in which the marked enhancement of tube formation by bFGF and VEGF was negated when exogenous TGF-β1, -β2, or -β3 were added to the cultures. Conclusions: (1) TGF-β1, -β2 and -β3 each inhibits angiogenesis; (2) cooperation between the three TGF-β isoforms and other angiogenic factors is essential for the regulation of normal tubulogenesis and (3) the stimulatory effect of VEGF or bFGF on tubulogenesis is negated by exogenous TGB-βs.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 491-498 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Vascular Research |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2004 |
Keywords
- Angiogenesis
- Coronary tubulogenesis
- Embryo
- Quail heart explant model
- Vasculogenesis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine