Mapping 3-Dimensional Neovessel Organization Steps Using Micro-Computed Tomography in a Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia–Brief Report

OBJECTIVE: Studying the mechanisms of neovascularization and evaluating the effects of proangiogenic strategies require accurate analysis of the neovascular network. We sought to evaluate the contribution of the microcomputed tomography (mCT) providing high-resolution 3-dimensional (3D) structural data, to a better comprehension of the well-studied mouse hindlimb postischemic neovascularization. METHODS AND RESULTS: We showed a predominant arteriogenesis process in the thigh and a predominant angiogenesis-related process in the tibiofibular region, in response to ischemia during the first 15 days. After 15 days, mCT quantitative analysis reveals a remodeling of arterial neovessels and a regression depending on the restoration of the blood flow. We provided also new mCT data on the rapid and potent angiogenic effects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on vessel formation and organization. We discussed the contribution of this technique compared with or in addition to data generated by the more conventional approaches. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that optimized mCT is a robust method for providing new insights into the 3D understanding of postischemic vessel formation.