Modulation of angiogenesis during adipose tissue development in murine models of obesity

Development of vasculature and mRNA expression of 17 pro-or antiangiogenic factors were studied during adipose tissue development in nutritionally induced or genetically deter-mined murine obesity models. Subcutaneous (SC) and go-nadal (GON) fat pads were harvested from male C57Bl/6 mice kept on standard chow [standard fat diet (SFD)] or on high-fat diet for 0–15 wk and frommale ob/obmice kept on SFD. Ob/ob miceandC57Bl/6miceonhigh-fat diet had significantly larger SC and GON fat pads, accompanied by significantly higher bloodcontent, increased total bloodvessel volume, andhigher number of proliferating cells. mRNA and protein levels of angiopoietin (Ang)-1 were down-regulated, whereas those of thrombospondin-1 were up-regulated in developing adipose tissue in both obesity models. Ang-1 mRNA levels correlated negatively with adipose tissue weight in the early phase o