From blood islands to blood vessels: morphologic observations and expression of key molecules during hyaloid vascular system development.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The mode of development of the human hyaloid vascular system (HVS) remains unclear. Early studies suggested that these blood vessels formed by vasculogenesis, while the current concept seems to favor angiogenesis as the mode of development. We examined embryonic and fetal human HVS using a variety of techniques to gain new insights into formation of this vasculature.

Methods

Embryonic and fetal human eyes from 5.5 to 12 weeks gestation (WG) were prepared for immunohistochemical analysis or for light and electron microscopy. Immunolabeling of sections with a panel of antibodies directed at growth factors, transcription factors, and hematopoietic stem cell markers was employed.

Results

Light microscopic examination revealed free blood islands (BI) in the embryon

SUBMITTER: McLeod DS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3513274 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature