Fig. 3

The influence of thrombin on vascular structures. a Vascular network formation could be observed in any sample independent of the thrombin concentration used. b Significant differences in number of vascular network parameters could only be detected if 2 U/ml thrombin was used. In these matrices, number of junctions and tubules and total tubule length were significantly lower and mean tubule length was significantly higher compared to samples prepared with 0.2 U/ml thrombin. No aprotinin was used in any sample. n = 8 from two independent experiments; **p < 0.01. Scale bar: 200 μm