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Updated: Nov 30, 2025
In Vivo Imaging and Quantitation of the Host Angiogenic Response in Zebrafish Tumor Xenografts
Published on: August 14, 2019
Carcinogen-Induced Model of Proangiogenesis in Zebrafish Embryo-Larvae
Nilambari V Pawar1, Pritee D Singh1, Padmaja S Prabhu1
1Section of Ecotoxicology, Department of Chemistry, Jai Research Foundation, Valvada, Gujarat, India.
Abstract:
Tumor angiogenesis is the main target in cancer drug development. Discovery of antiangiogenic agents targeting different mechanisms of action is the major area of research to control tumor growth and metastasis. Zebrafish (in the embryo-larvae stage) acts as an essential preclinical efficacy-toxicity model for antiangiogenic drug discovery. We aimed to develop a carcinogen-induced model of proangiogenesis in zebrafish embryo-larvae using the carcinogens lindane and benzo[a]pyrene. Zebrafish were randomly selected for mating. Postspawning, healthy embryos were staged, dispensed in reverse-osmosis water in a 12-well plate, and incubated at 28.5 °C, wherein 24 h postfertilization they were exposed to sublethal concentrations of the carcinogens. Three days postexposure, embryos were stained with alkaline phosphatase, and the angiogenic basket was imaged using a bright-field microscope. The number of subintestinal vessels, their length from somite to the basket, and other proangiogenic parameters were measured and analyzed. The effective concentrations causing a 30% increase in subintestinal vessels for benzo[a]pyrene and lindane were 2.69 and 2.24 µM, respectively, thus proving their proangiogenic potency. The carcinogen-induced model of proangiogenesis in zebrafish embryo-larvae can be used as an effective high-throughput screening tool to assess the proangiogenic potential of carcinogenic compounds and to screen antiangiogenic drugs for better therapeutic intervention. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:447-453.© 2020 SETAC.
Insights
This study developed a carcinogen-induced proangiogenesis model in zebrafish embryos using lindane and benzo[a]pyrene. This model effectively screens antiangiogenic drugs for cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Tumor angiogenesis is a key target in cancer drug development.
- Antiangiogenic agents are crucial for controlling tumor growth and metastasis.
- Zebrafish embryos serve as a preclinical model for antiangiogenic drug discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a carcinogen-induced proangiogenesis model in zebrafish embryos using lindane and benzo[a]pyrene.
- To assess the proangiogenic potential of these carcinogens.
- To validate the model for high-throughput screening of antiangiogenic compounds.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were exposed to sublethal concentrations of lindane and benzo[a]pyrene.
- Angiogenesis was assessed by quantifying subintestinal vessels after alkaline phosphatase staining.
- Proangiogenic parameters were measured and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Benzo[a]pyrene and lindane demonstrated proangiogenic potency at effective concentrations of 2.69 µM and 2.24 µM, respectively.
- A 30% increase in subintestinal vessels was observed at these concentrations.
- The model successfully identified the proangiogenic effects of the carcinogens.
Conclusions:
- The carcinogen-induced zebrafish embryo model is effective for assessing proangiogenic potential.
- This model can be utilized as a high-throughput screening tool for antiangiogenic drug discovery.
- This approach aids in developing better therapeutic interventions for cancer.
