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Angiogenesis in P- and E-selectin-deficient mice
D W Hartwell1, C E Butterfield, P S Frenette
1Center for Blood Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Microcirculation (New York, N.Y. : 1994)
|October 28, 1998
Summary
Endothelial selectins, like E-selectin, do not appear essential for blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). Studies in selectin-deficient mice show normal blood vessel growth, indicating these molecules are not required for this process in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Immunology
- Vascular biology
Background:
- Selectins, particularly E-selectin, have been implicated in angiogenesis.
- However, mice lacking endothelial selectins exhibit normal development, raising questions about their role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precise role of endothelial selectins in angiogenesis.
- To clarify the necessity of P- and E-selectins in blood vessel formation.
Main Methods:
- Experimentally induced angiogenesis using hydron pellets containing growth factors or cytokines.
- Implantation into the corneas of wild-type and P-/E-selectin-deficient mice.
Main Results:
- Newly formed blood vessel length and range were comparable between endothelial selectin-deficient mice and wild-type controls.
- No significant differences were observed in angiogenesis between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial selectins are not essential for experimentally induced angiogenesis in vivo.
- The study suggests alternative pathways mediate angiogenesis in the absence of these selectins.