Fig. 2

Addition of aprotinin to co-culture fibrin matrices influences vascular network density and vessel diameter. a Images of mCherry-HUVEC were taken after 2 weeks of incubation in clots containing either 2.5 mg/mL or 20 mg/mL fibrinogen. b Quantification of vascular networks by determining the number of tubules, junctions, total and mean tubule length and the vessel diameter. HUVEC cultured in aprotinin-free medium showed a higher number of tubules, junctions and total tubule length and a lower mean tubule length, which was significant in clots containing 20 mg/mL fibrinogen. Additionally, vessel diameter was significantly increased in aprotinin-free conditions. Values are from two independent experiments; n = 7 (junctions and tubules); n = 70 (diameter); *p < 0.05; ***p < 0.001; ns = not significant. Scale bar: 100 μm