Macroscopic sequential pictures of angiogenesis in a rabbit ear chamber.
In angiogenic research, quantitative measurement of newly formed vessels is essential for precise evaluation of angiogenesis. Although the rabbit ear chamber (REC) model provides a system for in vivo viewing of capillaries, macroscopic photographs of capillaries are unsatisfactory due to the transparent reflecting material used in the windows/chambers. We designed a new filming system to obtain clear macroscopic pictures of REC with good contrast and sharp edges without flare. A Nikon F4s with a Medical Nikkor on a Nikon Multi photo stand were used. A strobe, Nikon macro speed light SB-21, and a modeling lamp were placed in a black light box. A 1-cm-diameter hole was made on top of the light box at the edge. Filming was performed by placing the REC on top of the light box. Filming was done without difficulty. Without anesthetizing or stressing the animal, photographs were taken for 1 or 2 min. The picture quality was satisfactory, with good contrast and sharp edges without flare. Without treatment, angiogenesis was observed at day 7 and vascularization was complete at 4 weeks. The photographs of the REC field were in good quality up to 6 months. Our results suggest that this system is excellent to obtain direct evidence of angiogenesis in vivo, and maintains a good condition for weekly monitoring over a long period from immediately after set up.
Tomizawa
Yasuko
Y
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Japan. 4CRNRY@hij.twmu.ac.jp
Suzuki
Yutaka
Y
Miyama
Akira
A
Komori
Makiko
M
Takada
Katsumi
K
Nishida
Hiroshi
H
Endo
Masahiro
M
D000818:Animals; D002196:Capillaries / Q000502:physiology; D004431:Ear, External / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D010781:Photography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits; D014945:Wound Healing