Effects of topical prostaglandin drops on angiogenesis in an in ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane model

Abstract

Background

To investigate the effects of bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost on angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model in ovo

Materials and methods

Fifty fertilized specific-pathogen-free chick eggs were used in this preclinical, prospective, experimental embryo study. Eggs were randomly distributed into 5 groups of ten eggs. Eggs were placed in the incubator after disinfection of their shells with alcohol and monitored appropriate temperature and humidity. On the 3rd day of incubation, a small window was opened on the eggshell. Bimatoprost in group 1, latanoprost in group 2, travoprost in group 3, bevacizumab in group 4, phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS) used in group 5 was applied by injection to CAM. The sterile film was glued onto the broken part of the shell and the eggs were placed in the incubator again. On the 8th day of incubation, eggs were opened and vascular structures on CAMs were examined. Digital photographs were taken, analysed in the ImageJ open source image processing software and differences between groups were evaluated. Thereafter, VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) levels were measured appropriately in the embryo samples.

Results

All embryos in the prostaglandin groups and the PBS control group were observed to have life signs confirmed by heart rate. In 8 embryos in the bevacizumab group, no life signs were confirmed, while 2 embryos with life signs showed severe hypoplasia. Vascular density, number of vessels and VEGF levels in the bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost groups, there were statistically significantly higher than the PBS control group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that topical prostaglandin drops increase angiogenesis in the chick CAM model in ovo.

Keywords:

• Chick
• chorioallantoic membrane
• prostaglandin
• angiogenesis

Authors’ contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data, took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest for this research. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article. All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organisation with any financial interest or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this article.

Additional information

Funding

No financial support was used for this research.