To normalize the altered hemodynamic forces in Acvrl1(+/-); Gja5(EGFP/+) mice, capillaries formed transient arteriovenous shunts that could develop into large malformations when exposed to environmental insults.
Thus, vbg provides a model for the human autosomal dominant disorder, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 2, in which disruption of ACVRL1 causes vessel malformations that may result in hemorrhage or stroke.Movies available on-line