Figure 4

masTF induces aortic sprouting. Murine thoracic aortas were isolated and cleaned of the surrounding tissue in serum-free RPMI-1640 containing 100 units/mL penicillin and 100 µg/mL streptomycin. Dissected aortas were flushed with PBS; sectioned into equal segments; and embedded in matrigel supplemented with solvent control, masTF, hasTF or mflTF. Integrin/Ccl2-blocking antibodies (A) or SU5416 (VEGF inhibitor, B) were included in the matrigel when appropriate. PMB, polymyxin B. Sprouts were counted on d 4 (n ≥ 4). *p < 0.01 versus control.