[A novel model for visualization of tumor cell-induced angiogenesis in vivo]

The bladder transitional cell carcinoma cell line, BTT739 from the T739 mouse, was transfected with a plasmid that encoded an enhanced green fluorescence protein (GFP) and the cells stably expressing GFP were selected and subcloned. 1 x 10(3)-1 x 10(4) GFP-labeled BTT739 cells were injected under the skin of ear of T739 mice. On day 2-5 post injection, the most interesting manifestations observed were the chemotaxis-like movement of the tumor cells toward the pre-existing host vasculature, host vessel dilation and tortuosity and increased extravasation. On day 10 or later, the sprout from pre-existing host vasculature was observed. Once angiogenesis was triggered on, the tumor cells grew more rapidly and exhibited a specific growth pattern where tumor cells always associated with or surrounded the vessels. The newly formed microvessels always showed heavy extravasation. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed strong VEGF and VEGFR2 (Flk-1) expression in tumor cells. Angiography using Rhodamin-labeled dextran showed neovascularization with unprecedented clarity. However, the tumor mass, even bigger than 2 mm and being neovascularized, shrunk and then disappear in 3-5 days and left only delicated host vessels and recovered extravasation. The evidence from this observation indicated that angiogenesis induced by tumor cells after implantation into the host begins at very early stage. The micrometastases foci could not form or survive without vigorous and continuous angiogenesis. Furthermore, there was active VEGF paracrine and autocrine expression in tumor and high level VEGF secretion by tumor cells plays an important role in initiating angiogenesis and supporting micrometastases.