A novel approach for studying angiogenesis: A human skin equivalent with acapillary-like network

Angiogenesis results from an ordered set of events that can be modulated in vivo by a variety of angiogenesis-enhancing or inhibiting agents. We revie w in vitro angiogenesis models and the agents that enhance or inhibit angio genesis. We also discuss a new in vitro angiogenesis model created within a skin equivalent. Briefly, endothelial cells were combined with the cutaneo us cells of a standard skin equivalent and cultured in a chitosan cross-lin ked collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffold of this endothelialized skin. This model enables the formation of capillary-like structures in a coculture env ironment containing newly synthesized extracellular matrix by fibroblasts a nd keratinocytes. Several morphological characteristics associated with the microvasculature in vivo were observed in the endothelialized skin equival ent such as histotypic organization of tubular structures, basement membran e deposition, and intercellular junction formation.