Figure 3.

Growth and maturation of endothelial networks in four culture conditions. (a) Total tube length was increased in OM from establishment of networks at 3 days and for the remaining experimental period. For all groups, the length decreased as networks stabilized. (b) Total tube area was greater in networks generated in EGM at 3 days. At 6 days, networks generated in OM presented the greatest total tube area. Networks generated in EGM but maintained in OM after 7 days saw a decreased area after OM was added, followed by a steady increase. A similar tendency could be observed for (c) total tube perimeter. Results show that OM initially stimulates network proliferation, and subsequently promotes development of stable networks with higher length, area, and perimeter.

EGM: Endothelial Cell Growth Medium; MC: MesenCult.