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Antitumoral Effect of Mural Cells Assessed With High-Resolution MRI and Fluorescence Microscopy
Nathalie Faye1,2, Laure Fournier1,3, Daniel Balvay4
11 Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S970, 56 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to detect labeled mural cells in vivo and study their therapeutic effect on tumor growth and on functional changes in the vascular network by use of MRI and fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy (FCFM).
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-eight mice were allocated to the following three groups 7 days after injection of TC1 tumor cells (C157 black 6): control, no injection (n = 7); sham, injection of phosphate-buffered saline solution (n = 10); and treated, injection of human mural cells (n = 11). Tumor growth was measured with calipers. Labeled mural cells were tracked with high-resolution MRI and FCFM. Microvessel density was assessed with MRI and FCFM, and the findings were compared with the histologic results.
Results:
Tumor growth was significantly slowed in the treated group starting on day 10 (p = 0.001). Round signal-intensity voids were observed in the center of six of seven tumors treated with magnetically labeled mural cells. Positive staining for iron was observed in histologic sections of two of five of these tumors. Microvessel density measured with FCFM was greater in the treated mice (p = 0.03). Flow cytometry revealed viable human mural cells only in treated tumors.
Conclusion:
In this study, imaging techniques such as high-resolution MRI and FCFM showed the therapeutic effect of mural cell injection on tumor growth and microvessel function.
Insights
Injecting labeled mural cells slowed tumor growth and improved vascular function in mice, as shown by MRI and microscopy. This therapy offers a new approach to cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Mural cells play a crucial role in regulating vascular function and integrity.
- Understanding the in vivo behavior and therapeutic potential of mural cells is essential for developing novel cancer treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect labeled mural cells in vivo using advanced imaging techniques.
- To evaluate the therapeutic effect of mural cell injection on tumor growth.
- To assess functional changes in the tumor's vascular network.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy (FCFM) for in vivo tracking.
- Administered human mural cells to mice bearing TC1 tumors, comparing with control and sham groups.
- Quantified tumor growth, microvessel density, and cell viability.
Main Results:
- Significantly slowed tumor growth observed in the treated group (p = 0.001).
- Increased microvessel density in treated tumors compared to controls (p = 0.03).
- Viable human mural cells were detected within treated tumors, with some evidence of magnetic labeling.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution MRI and FCFM are effective for tracking labeled mural cells in vivo.
- Mural cell injection demonstrates a therapeutic effect on tumor growth and microvessel function.
- This approach holds promise for novel cancer therapies targeting the tumor vasculature.
