We present an update of recent developments, and identify some areas where significant progress will likely occur. “
“Please cite this paper as: Sandow SL, Senadheera S, Bertrand PP, Murphy TV, Tare M. Myoendothelial contacts, gap junctions, and microdomains: anatomical links to function? Microcirculation 19: 403-415,

2012. In several species and in many vascular beds, Navitoclax mouse ultrastructural studies describe close contact sites between the endothelium and smooth muscle of <∼20 nm. Such sites are thought to facilitate the local action of signaling molecules and/or the passage of current, as metabolic and electrical coupling conduits between the arterial endothelium and smooth muscle. These sites have the potential for bidirectional communication between the endothelium and smooth muscle, as a key pathway for coordinating vascular function. The aim of this brief review is to summarize the literature on the ultrastructural anatomy and distribution of key components of MECC sites in arteries. In addition to their traditional role of facilitating electrical coupling between the two cell layers, data on the role of MECC sites in arteries, as signaling microdomains involving a spatial localization of channels, receptors and calcium stores are highlighted. Diversity in the density and specific characteristics of MECC sites as signaling microdomains suggests

considerable potential for functional diversity within and between arteries in health and disease. “
“To create accurate, high-resolution 3D BMN 673 chemical structure reconstructions of neovasculature structures in xenografted tumors and Matrigel plugs for quantitative analyses in angiogenesis studies in animal models. The competent neovasculature within xenografted solid tumors or Matrigel plugs in mice was perfused with Microfil, a radioopaque, hydrophilic polymerizing contrast

agent, by systemic perfusion of the selleck compound blood circulation via the heart. The perfused tumors and plugs were resected and scanned by X-ray micro-CT to generate stacks of 2D images showing the radioopaque material. A nonbiased, precise postprocessing scheme was employed to eliminate background X-ray absorbance from the extravascular tissue. The revised binary image stacks were compiled to reveal the Microfil-casted neovasculature as 3D reconstructions. Vascular structural parameters were calculated from the refined 3D reconstructions using the scanner software. Clarified 3D reconstructions were sufficiently precise to allow measurements of vascular architecture to a diametric limit of resolution of 3 μm in tumors and plugs. Ex vivo micro-CT can be used for 3D reconstruction and quantitative analysis of neovasculature including microcirculation in solid tumors and Matrigel plugs. This method can be generally applied for reconstructing and measuring vascular structures in three dimensions.