In vivo analysis of angiogenesis in endometriosis-like lesions by intravital fluorescence microscopy

Matthias W Laschke, Elitzsch A, Antje Elitzsch, Brigitte Vollmar, Vollmar B, Menger MD, Michael D Menger
Fertility and sterility · 2005 · vol. 84 , pp. 1199–1209 · doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.05.010 · PMID:16210012 · W2032100726
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Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used to analyze angiogenesis in endometriosis-like lesions in vivo, observing neovascularization and vascular remodeling processes.

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo establish a novel endometriosis model that allows for repetitive in vivo analyses of angiogenesis in ectopic endometrial tissue.DesignIntravital fluorescence microscopic study.SettingInstitute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, University of Saarland.Animal(s)Female Syrian golden hamsters equipped with skinfold chambers.Intervention(s)Large (0.5 mm2) and small (0.1 mm2) endometrial fragments were mechanically isolated and transplanted autologously into skinfold chambers of untreated hormonally synchronized or bilaterally ovariectomized hamsters.Main outcome measure(s)Angiogenesis, vascularization, and microhemodynamics were analyzed over a 14-day period.Result(s)In untreated controls, endometrial fragments developed complete microvascular networks during the experimental observation period. Interestingly, microvascular blood flow was higher in large than in small fragments. Histologic examinations revealed proliferating endometriosis-like lesions with dilated endometrial glands surrounded by a richly vascularized stroma. Vascularization of endometrial fragments in synchronized animals did not differ from that of untreated controls. In contrast, endometrial fragments in ovariectomized animals showed a delay in angiogenesis and a significantly decreased blood perfusion, indicating the essential role of ovarian estrogens for ectopic vascularization and perfusion of endometrial tissue.Conclusion(s)This novel model of endometrial tissue transplantation is a useful experimental approach, not only to focus on the in vivo pathogenesis of endometriosis but also to develop antiangiogenic strategies for the treatment of this disease.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Endometrium Endometrium Microscopy, Fluorescence Neovascularization, Pathologic Animals Cricetinae Endometriosis Endometrium Female Mesocricetus Microscopy, Fluorescence Neovascularization, Pathologic

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