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Characterization of human chorionic gonadotropin as a novel angiogenic factor
Marek Zygmunt1, Friederike Herr, Stefanie Keller-Schoenwetter
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus Liebig University, Klinikstrasse 32, D-35385 Giessen, Germany. marek.t.zygmunt@gyn.med.uni-giessen.de
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 5, 2002
Summary
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulates new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and endothelial cell migration. This suggests hCG is a novel angiogenic factor important in pregnancy and cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Oncology
- Vascular biology
Background:
- Angiogenesis and vascular remodeling are vital in tumor metastasis and placental development.
- Previous research indicated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) enhances cellular motility.
- The uterine endothelium expresses the hCG/LH receptor in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of hCG in promoting angiogenesis.
- To determine hCG's effect on endothelial cell behavior in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 3D in vitro angiogenesis system with uterine microvascular endothelial cells in a fibrin matrix.
- Employed Boyden chamber assays for endothelial cell migration.
- Assessed in vivo neovascularization using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay.
- Investigated the effects of hCG-secreting tumors and neutralizing agents.
Main Results:
- Physiological hCG concentrations significantly increased in vitro capillary formation (up to 2.5-fold) and endothelial cell migration (up to 3.6-fold) in a dose-dependent manner.
- hCG did not affect endothelial cell proliferation.
- In vivo, hCG induced neovascularization comparable to vascular endothelial growth factor.
- hCG-secreting tumors promoted neovascularization, which was abolished by hCG-neutralizing antibody, pertussis toxin, or GRGDTP peptide.
Conclusions:
- hCG functions as a novel angiogenic factor.
- hCG plays a significant role in uterine adaptation during early pregnancy.
- hCG contributes to tumor development through its angiogenic properties.