An Ex Vivo Tissue Culture Method for Discovering Cell Dynamics Involved in Stromal Vascular Fraction Vasculogenesis Using the Mouse Mesentery

Stromal vascular fraction (SVF), isolated from adipose tissue, identifies as a rich cell source comprised of endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. SVF represents a promising therapeutic heterogonous cell source for growing new blood microvessels due to its rich niche of cells. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of SVF within living tissues remain largely unknown. The objective of this chapter is to describe a protocol for culturing SVF on mouse mesentery tissues in order to aid in the discovery of SVF dynamics and associated vessel growth over time. SVF was isolated from the inguinal adipose from adult mice and seeded onto mesentery tissues. Tissues were then cultured for up to 5 days and labeled with endothelial cell and pericyte markers. Representative results demonstrate the observation of SVF-derived vasculogenesis characterized by de novo vessel formation and subsequent vessel connection.