The Fibrin Matrix Regulates Angiogenic Responses within the Hemostatic Microenvironment through Biochemical Control
Fig 1
Hemostatic Components Model (HCM).
Peripheral blood cells (platelets and leukocytes) are seeded at their naturally-occurring ratio onto a collagen-coated substrate, which mimics exposed collagen in the injured vascular wall. Cells are cultured in serum-free medium under hypoxia (3%O2) at 37°C, while released/produced protein factors diffuse through a nano-porous filter and are sampled simultaneously within an exogenous fibrin matrix of varying mass (m). Cell-matrix contact is prevented through the filter. The model simulates the hemostatic microenvironment, while enabling assessment of the function of the fibrin matrix as protein factor-carrier, independently of its role as cell-scaffold.