Verification of coronary angiogenesis by quantitative morphology

Abstract

The angiogenic response may be reliably evaluated only by the methods of quantitative morphology. These methods may appear deceivingly simple but they contain several possible pitfalls. This review presents major principles of proper methodology for determination of tissue vascularization using quantitative morphology. Description of appropriate preparation of the tissue is followed by a survey of methods available for visualization of the vascular structures, by the description of principles for proper sampling and measurements and, finally, by a section on how to present and interpret the results.