Four-dimensional analysis of vascularization during primary development of an organ, the gonad.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Time-lapse microscopy has advanced our understanding of yolk sac and early embryonic vascularization. However, it has been difficult to assess endothelial interactions during epithelial morphogenesis of internal organs. To address this issue we have developed the first time-lapse system to study vascularization of a mammalian organ in four dimensions. We show that vascularization of XX and XY gonads is a highly dynamic, sexually dimorphic process. The XX gonad recruits vasculature by a typical angiogenic process. In contrast, the XY gonad recruits and patterns vasculature by a novel remodeling mechanism beginning with breakdown of an existing mesonephric vessel. Subsequently, in XY organs individual endothelial cells migrate and reaggregate in the coelomic domain to form the major testicular artery. Migrating endothelial cells respect domain boundaries well before they are morphologically evident, subdividing the gonad into 10 avascular regions where testis cords form. This model of vascular development in an internal organ has a direct impact on the current dogma of vascular integration during organ development and presents important parallels with mechanisms of tumor vascularization.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Coveney, D; Cool, J; Oliver, T; Capel, B

Published Date

  • May 20, 2008

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 105 / 20

Start / End Page

  • 7212 - 7217

PubMed ID

  • 18480267

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC2438229

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1091-6490

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1073/pnas.0707674105

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States