In 7 out of the 12 maps imaging location was determined using the electroporation method as described in Figure 2 ; in the remaining maps we used vertical blood vessels alignment.
Cui et al. demonstrated the use of multiphoton microscopy for volumetric analysis of these macromolecules in the aorta and skin of a murine Marfan model [ 35], while Haskett et al. determined vessel fiber alignment after mechanical testing of AAAs [ 36].
This is further supported by the Hbt maps, which show that the areas of highest blood content correspond to the locations of the vessels after alignment.
Here, the ASV can be located aligned with the femoral vessels at the "alignment sign".
To assure the longitudinal alignment of vessel elements, a xylogenic signal might be given by the developing vessel to an undifferentiated cell in the cambial zone of a contiguous xylem patch via parenchyma-vessel pits [34], [35], [36].
Several vascularization models have consistently found that the stress generated in the gel, and encountered by embedded cells, control various aspects of vascular network formation, including sprouting, branching, alignment, and vessel maturation.
Alignment and vessel suture integrity was tested by increasing the intraluminal pressure to 70 mmHg, with further adjustment of the cannulae until the artery was observed to be aligned.
