Infiltrating neutrophils mediate the initial angiogenic switch in a mouse model of multistage carcinogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Matrix metalloprotease type 9 (MMP-9) has been functionally implicated in VEGF activation, the induction and maintenance of chronic angiogenesis, and early stage tumor growth in a number of mouse models of cancer. In this article, we have identified two inflammatory cell types that are major sources of MMP-9 in the angiogenic stages of pancreatic islet carcinogenesis that unfold in RIP1-Tag2 transgenic mice. MMP-9-expressing neutrophils were predominantly found inside angiogenic islet dysplasias and tumors, whereas MMP-9-expressing macrophages were localized along the periphery of such lesions. Transient depletion of neutrophils significantly suppressed VEGF:VEGF-receptor association, a signature of MMP-9 activity, and markedly reduced the frequency of initial angiogenic switching in dyspl

SUBMITTER: Nozawa H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1531646 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature