Morphology and migratory behavior of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells and C6 astrocytoma cells in a three-dimensional type I collagen matrix.
The purpose of this investigation was to compare the morphological characteristics and migratory behavior of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAE) and C6 astrocytoma cells in a three-dimensional type I collagen matrix. Samples of both cell types were cultured and prepared for scanning electron microscopy and time-lapse video photomicrography using standard protocols. Observations included comparative analyses of factors such as the state of the matrix, the presence of cell processes and the distribution of cells throughout the sample. Results revealed that PAE cells formed a monolayer and were connected by many cytoplasmic extensions. They were distributed evenly throughout the collagen matrix and they migrated slowly. In contrast, C6 astrocytoma cells aggregated into clumps and digested the matrix while migrating through it quite rapidly. Photomicrography also revealed the presence of filopodia and invadopodia in the PAE samples and astrocytoma samples respectively. These cytoplasmic processes may function in either cell-cell communication or cell motility. This study demonstrates that endothelial cells and C6 astrocytoma cells behave very differently when grown in type I collagen matrices. Future studies include finding ways to slow tumor metastasis by inhibiting migration through various matrices or to slow tumor growth by preventing endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis.
Werbowetski
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Department of Zoology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Shivers
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RR
D000818:Animals; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002417:Cattle; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D024042:Collagen Type I; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D018715:Microscopy, Video; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D018874:Spheroids, Cellular / Q000473:pathology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D024042:Collagen Type I