Isolation of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells and Development of an Angiogenesis Model in Fibrin Matrix

Angiogenesis plays a key role in different physiologic and pathologic processes. Evaluation of endothelial cells and finally new vessels development in-vivo is a complex and formidable task. Thus, we designed an in-vitro experimental angiogenesis model using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) which is highly reproducible and controllable. This model has applicability to study various parameters involved in angiogenesis and its harness. HUVEC cells were isolated from umbilical vein by enzyme treatment as the source of endothelial cells. Then, the three-dimensional model was designed using fibrin gel and cytodex beads which was covered by HUVEC cells. In this model 10-12 days after culturing HUVEC, the resulting capillary formation was observed as branching of the source endothelial cells in microscopic field. The model is controllable and highly reproducible to study various parameters involved in angiogenesis. Moreover, the model provides a reliable method to screen angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis substances.