The Effect of Temperature on Angiogenesis in Chicken Embryos

Abstract

Angiogenesis plays an important role in the formation of new vessels in the embryonic period. The aim of this study is to determine possible differences in angiogenesis process in chicken embryos exposed to two different incubation temperatures of 37.50C and 39.00C using Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) model. The study included two groups, each with an experimental and control group, in which 16 fertilized chicken eggs were analyzed. The eggs were opened on the 7th day of incubation with the aid of forceps and surgical scissors without damaging the embryo. Head-stern, occipito-frontal length, vessel thickness, density and number of each embryo on CAM were measured by ImageJ. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by SPSS program. Depending on the temperature, there was a decrease, although not statistically significant, in the values of head-stern lengths of the embryos obtained from the eggs incubated at 39.00C. However, it was determined that occipito-frontal length values increased, the skull had a larger appearance and this increase was statistically significant (p 0.05). A comparison of both groups showed a decrease in the number of vascular branches (35.44±10.97 at 37.50C, 24.94±6.97 at 39.00C) due to the increasing temperature. This decrease was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). In general, it was observed that the increase in temperature caused a decrease in vessel density, thickness and number of branches in chicken embryos on CAM. As a result, it was determined that growth and development were negatively affected in embryos.