When an injury occurs, there is a process of healing referred to as angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is comprised of a matrix of complex rebuilding from preexisting cells and contributes to the formation of vascular endothelial cells (VEC). These cells are a crucial role in the process of angiogenesis. The main storage of adipocyte cells can be found in fat tissue which consists of mature adipocytes that aid in the regeneration of cells. In this quantitative study fat tissue from three Brangus male cattle was collected and the mature adipocytes (MA) were then isolated from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of the tissue. SVF were cultured for 24 hr. to promote plate adhesion. MA was added after 24hr with fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) polyclonal antibody (1:50 or 1:100 dilution) or without antibody and cultured for an additional 24 hr. Blocking endogenous FGF2 reduced (P=0.01) early morphological progression of VEC in the angiogenic process. This study’s purpose is to address the question if FGF2 can influence the morphology change of VEC and/or the growth of the cells while providing further insight on the cell development in bovines.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michelle Garcia 

Department of Animal Science & Veterinary Technology