Introduction:There are controversial reports about angiogenesis of the amniotic membrane
after transplantationas cornea substitute. Inducing or inhibitory effects of
amniotic epithelial cells on angiogenesis of the amniotic membrane were
evaluated in this in vitro study. Materials and Methods:The scraped and non-scraped amniotic membranes were cultured in 12-wells
plates in two positions of epithelial side up and mesenchymal side up. In order
to evaluate angiogenesis, rat aortic rings were placed on the cultured amniotic
membranes. Results were reported as presence or absence of angiogenesis within
7 days. Results:When the amniotic membrane was intact, no formation of capillary like
structures or angiogenesis was seen on both sides of the amniotic membrane. In
contrast, after removing the amniotic epithelial cells, infiltration of
fibroblastic cells from rat aortic ring was seen on both epithelial and
mesenchymal sides of amniotic membrane after 2 days. Afterward, the cells
started directional out-growth and initiated formation of capillary like
structures up to day 7. Conclusion:This study showed that
epithelial cells have a key role in angiogenic or anti-angiogenic properties of
the amniotic membrane. In addition, acellular amniotic membrane (without
epithelial cells) is a proper substrate for angiogenesis and
neovascularization. These dual effects on angiogenesis make the amniotic
membrane useful in several clinical situations
Niknejad H, Yazdanpanah G, Nikbin A, Tehrani F, Peirovi H. Effects of epithelial cells on amniotic membrane angiogenic properties using rat aortic ring assay. Koomesh 1393; 15 (3) :372-379 URL: http://koomeshjournal.semums.ac.ir/article-1-1932-en.html