# Pro-Angiogenic Effects of Canine Platelet-Rich Plasma: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

## TL;DR

This study shows that canine platelet-rich plasma promotes blood vessel growth in both lab and animal models, suggesting it could help treat slow-healing wounds in dogs.

## Contribution

The study provides novel in vitro and in vivo evidence of canine PRP's pro-angiogenic effects, supporting its use in veterinary regenerative medicine.

## Key findings

- 20% canine PRP significantly increased HUVEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro.
- In vivo, cPRP induced dose-dependent neovascularization in a rabbit corneal model.
- cPRP stimulates vascular development in a concentration-dependent manner.

## Abstract

Angiogenesis is a key component of the wound healing process. This study evaluated the angiogenic effects of canine platelet-rich plasma (cPRP) using in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro assays demonstrated that 20% cPRP significantly increased proliferation, migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In vivo angiogenesis was assessed using a rabbit corneal micropocket model. After implanting cPRP-containing pellets into the avascular cornea, cPRP induced neovascularization, with new blood vessels extending from the limbus toward the pellet. These findings suggest that cPRP may serve as a valuable therapeutic option for managing impaired wound healing in veterinary patients, including those with diabetes, aging-related conditions, or immune dysfunction.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely applied in veterinary regenerative medicine due to its rich composition of growth factors that promote tissue repair. However, the direct pro-angiogenic function of canine PRP (cPRP) has not been thoroughly validated through controlled in vitro and in vivo experimentation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to assess cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation after exposure to cPRP. In addition, a rabbit corneal micropocket assay was employed to evaluate in vivo angiogenic responses. Treatment with 20% cPRP significantly enhanced HUVEC proliferation and migration and induced robust tube formation. In the in vivo model, we observed dose-dependent neovascularization, with the earliest vascular sprouting seen on day 1 in the 40% group. Both models consistently demonstrated that cPRP stimulates vascular development in a concentration-dependent manner. This study provides novel evidence of cPRP’s capacity to induce neovascularization, supporting its therapeutic value for treating nonhealing wounds in dogs, especially in cases involving chronic inflammation, aging, or immune dysregulation. These findings offer a scientific foundation for the broader clinical application of cPRP in veterinary regenerative practice.