Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo
Published on: July 20, 2019
[Effect of nitric oxide derived from endothelial nitric oxide synthase on tumor angiogenesis]
Kai Mei1, Xiao-Hong Cai, Lei Du
1Department of Medical Oncology,Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China. meikai1973@yahoo.com.cn
Background And Objective:
Studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) derived from endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is expressed widely in tumor tissues and regulates tumor angiogenesis. However, the results are controversial. This study was to investigate the effect of NO on tumor angiogenesis and its mechanism.
Methods:
C57BL/6 mice inoculated with Lewis lung cancer cells were randomly divided into three groups. Mice in the NO group were inoculated with lung cancer cells transfected with eNOS gene, mice in the L-NAME group with L-NAME, an eNOS antagonist, and mice in the control group with normal saline. Plasma concentration of NO and the number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in peripheral blood were detected . Tumor vessel density, CD133+ cells, and the expression of VEGF-VEGFR in tumor tissues were also measured.
Results:
Four weeks after inoculation of Lewis cells, tumor volume was significantly larger in control group [ (3022 +/- 401) mm(3)] than in the L-NAME group [ (1204 +/-97) ) mm(3)] and in the eNOS group [(1824 +/- 239) mm(3)] (P<0.01). eNOS protein and NO production increased significantly in Lewis lung cancer cells transfected with eNOS gene. But the number of CD133-positive cells and vessel density in tumors were significantly lower in the eNOS group than in the control group [(48+/-19) / HPF vs. ( 103 +/- 27)/ HPF, (19+/- 7) HPF vs. (31 +/- 9) HPF, P<0.05]. The number of EPCs in peripheral blood was not statistically different between each group. The levels of NO in blood and tumor tissue significantly decreased after the treatment of L-NAME, while the tumor vessel density reduced to 12+/- 5/ HPF (P<0.01, vs. the control group; P<0.05, vs the eNOS transfected group). The number of EPCs in blood and that of CD133-positive cells in tumor tissue were significantly smaller in the L-NAME group than in the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion:
No derived from eNOS inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth, which may be due to its suppression on either the mobilization or homing of EPCs via VEGF binding to VEGFR.
Insights
Nitric oxide (NO) derived from endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis. This effect may involve suppressing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) mobilization or homing via VEGF signaling.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived nitric oxide (NO) is implicated in tumor angiogenesis, but findings are conflicting.
- Understanding NO's role in tumor vascularization is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precise effect of NO on tumor angiogenesis and elucidate its underlying mechanisms.
- To clarify the controversial role of NO in tumor development.
Main Methods:
- Lewis lung cancer cells were used to establish tumors in C57BL/6 mice.
- Mice were divided into three groups: eNOS gene-transfected (NO group), L-NAME treated (eNOS antagonist), and control.
- Measurements included plasma NO, peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), tumor vessel density, CD133+ cells, and VEGF-VEGFR expression.
Main Results:
- Tumor volume was significantly reduced in both the eNOS and L-NAME groups compared to controls.
- eNOS gene transfection increased NO production but decreased tumor vessel density and CD133+ cells.
- L-NAME treatment decreased NO levels, reduced tumor vessel density, and lowered EPCs and CD133+ cells in peripheral blood and tumors.
Conclusions:
- NO derived from eNOS inhibits tumor angiogenesis and growth.
- This inhibition may occur by suppressing endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) mobilization or homing through VEGF-VEGFR interactions.
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Mechanism of Angiogenesis
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
The Tumor Microenvironment
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...

