Antiangiogenic effect of heparin and other sulphated glycosaminoglycans in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane

Abstract

The effect of heparin and other sulphated glycosaminoglycans on normal capillary growth was studied in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane, with or without hydrocortisone. Contrary to previous reports, heparin was shown to have an antiangiogenic effect in itself, and an additive effect was obtained when it was combined with hydrocortisone. Heparan sulphate also had an antiangiogenic effect in the chorioallantoic membrane, while keratan sulphate, dermatan sulphate or chondroitin sulphate had no such effect. Copper ions, added in small amounts, did not influence the antiangiogenic effect of heparin, and nor did iron, zinc and magnesium ions, and EDTA.