Efficient in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis assays, to assess and compare anti-angiogenic activity are a prerequisite for the discovery and characterization of anti-angiogenic targets. Here we describe an optimized Matrigel plug assay based on subcutaneously implanted chambers and two fast and reproducible measuring techniques. Plexiglas ring/nylon net filter-chambers (0.2 ml) containing growth factor-reduced Matrigel and 300 ng basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were subcutaneously implanted into the right flank of rats. Chamber angiogenesis was scored on day 5 and day 10 post-implantation by computer image analysis of the chamber, and by optical density reading at 415 nm of a PBS solution of the chamber content. bFGF significantly induced chamber angiogenesis and histological examination confirmed that numerous blood vessels were present in the bFGF-induced chambers. The anti-angiogenic control compound TNP-470 (10 mg/kg/d s.c.) completely inhibited the bFGF-induced angiogenesis. In contrast, the anti-inflammatory or immuno-suppressive compounds cyclosporin A (15 mg/kg/d p.o.), indomethacin (1 mg/kg/d p.o.), and prednisolone (5 mg/kg/d p.o.) showed no anti-angiogenic activity, indicating that the bFGF-induced angiogenesis was not driven by an inflammatory response or by a foreign body reaction. Finally, two candidate anti-angiogenic compounds were tested in the assay. Continuous low-dose therapy with cyclophosphamide (25 mg/kg/d p.o.) significantly inhibited bFGF-induced angiogenesis, whereas 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (0.5 µg/kg/d p.o.) showed no significant anti-angiogenic activity. In conclusion, this in vivo chamber angiogenesis assay is a useful new tool for drug evaluation as well as research into anti-angiogenesis.

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