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Vascular Remodeling of the Mouse Yolk Sac Requires Hydraulic Force
Author(s) -
Lucitti Jennifer L,
Jones Elizabeth A V,
Huang Chengqun,
Chen Ju,
Fraser Scott E,
Dickinson Mary E
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a230-d
Subject(s) - yolk sac , microbiology and biotechnology , erythroblast , embryonic stem cell , yolk , chemistry , biology , embryo , anatomy , stem cell , haematopoiesis , genetics , gene , food science
The embryonic heart and vessels are dynamic tissues that form and remodel while functional. Much has been learned about the genetic mechanisms underlying the development of the cardiovascular system, but we are just beginning to understand how cardiovasular structure is influenced by hydraulic forces. Studies of several mutations in mice have indicated that vessel remodeling in the yolk sac is secondarily effected when cardiac function is impaired. However, it is not clear whether the role of circulation is to provide mechanical cues, to deliver oxygen or to circulate signaling molecules. Here we have used confocal microscopy to define the role of hydraulic forces in vessel remodeling in the developing murine yolk sac. In embryos with impaired atrial contractility, we found abnormal plasma and erythroblast circulation which led us to hypothesize that the entry of erythroblasts into circulation is a key event in triggering vessel remodeling. We tested this by sequestering erythroblasts in the blood islands and found that vessel remodeling depends on erythroblast flow. Further, we rescued remodeling defects in these embryos by increasing plasma viscosity. These data show that fluid‐derived forces that depend on viscosity are necessary and sufficient to induce vessel remodeling in the mammalian yolk sac.