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Biomedical subjects

D Ribatti

Publications and source records attributed to D Ribatti.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Angiogenesis extent and macrophage density increase simultaneously with pathological progression in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Node biopsies of 30 benign lymphadenopathies and 71 B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHLs) were investigated for microvessel and macrophage counts using immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis. Both counts were significantly higher in B-NHL. Moreover, when these were grouped into low-grade and high-grade lymphomas, according to the Kiel classification and Working Formulation (WF), statistically significant higher counts were found in the high-grade tumours. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy revealed a close spatial association between microvessels and macrophages. Overall, the results suggest that, in analogy to what has already been shown in solid tumours, angiogenesis occurring in B-NHLs increases with tumour progression, and that macrophages promote the induction of angiogenesis via the release of their angiogenic factors.

Antigens, CD↗

The role of the vascular phase in solid tumor growth: a historical review.

Angiogenesis is a biological process by which new capillaries are formed from pre-existing vessels. It occurs in both physiological conditions such as embryo development, cyclically in the female genital system and during wound repair, and pathological conditions, such as arthritis, diabetic retinopathy and tumors. In solid tumor growth, a specific critical turning point is the transition from the avascular to the vascular phase. Having developed an intrinsic vascular network, the neoplastic mass is able to grow indefinitely (unlike all the other forms, tumor angiogenesis is not limited in time) both in situ and at distant sites (metastasis) in so far as an intrinsic vascular network enables its cells to enter the vascular bed and colonize other organs. Tumor angiogenesis depends mainly on the release by neoplastic cells of growth factors specific for endothelial cells and able to stimulate growth of the host's blood vessels. This review describes its history as traced by the main contributions to the international medical literature and their contents. The specific new paradigm discussed here has been gaining general approval and considerable confirmation, thanks to its possible applications, as recently highlighted by the introduction of anti-angiogenic substances in adjuvant tumor management.

Animals↗

Angiogenesis extent and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 correlate with upgrading and myometrial invasion in endometrial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Changes in angiogenesis and expression of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes have been substantiated during tumour changeover and progression. METHODS: Tissues from 64 biopsies of endometrial carcinoma (EC) and 15 biopsies of normal (control) endometrium were investigated immunohistochemically to determine their microvessel number, and by in situ hybridisation to determine the expression of mRNA of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, gelatinase A) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9 gelatinase B). EC were grouped according to both histological grade (G) G1 to G3 and depth of myometrial (M) invasion M1 to M3. RESULTS: EC as a whole gave significantly higher counts over control endometria. Counts of the G1 group overlapped those of the control group, increased significantly in the G2 and even more in the G3 group. G3 biopsies in particular also displayed most microvessels widely scattered in the tumour tissue, in close association with tumour cells, and as winding and arborized tubes, often dilated in microaneurysmatic segments. Counts also increased in M2 and M3. Expression of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA, evaluated as percentages of positive biopsies and intensity of expression, were upregulated with the transition from control and G1 groups to G2 and G3, and in relation to advancing depth of invasion. In EC, MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA were also expressed by host stromal cells, including microvascular endothelial cells, fibroblasts and macrophages. In the control biopsies, poor expression of MMP-2 mRNA in few endothelial cells and no expression of MMP-9 mRNA were detected. CONCLUSION: These in situ data suggest that angiogenesis and degradation of extracellular matrix occur simultaneously with EC upgrading and advancing depth of invasion, and that EC cells and some host stromal cell populations cooperate in tumour progression.

Adult↗

Temporal expression of the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2 correlates with fibronectin immunoreactivity during the development of the vascular system in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane.

In this study we have examined in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (ChAM) the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and have correlated this parameter with the expansion of the ChAM vasculature and with the expression of 3 extracellular matrix components (fibronectin, laminin and type IV collagen), which differentially modulate angiogenesis. In the early phases of ChAM development, between d 6 and d 8 of incubation, when the increase of the ChAM vasculature is maximal, higher values of MMP-2 and, respectively, of fibronectin immunoreactive area, are detectable. These results indicate that MMP-2 activity and fibronectin expression are 2 strictly related components of angiogenesis occurring in vivo.

Animals↗

In vivo angiogenic activity of urokinase: role of endogenous fibroblast growth factor-2.

In vitro experimental evidences suggest that the proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by activation of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)/plasmin system may affect growth factor activity and bioavailability. However, no direct in vivo observations were available to support this hypothesis. Here we demonstrate that endothelial GM 7373 cells overexpressing human uPA (uPA-R5 cells) cause the release of (125)I-labeled fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) from endothelial ECM in a plasmin-dependent manner. Accordingly, uPA-R5 cells are angiogenic in vivo when applied on the top of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the chick embryo. In contrast, mock-transfected Neo2 cells are unable to release ECM-bound (125)I-FGF2 and are poorly angiogenic. Neovascularization elicited by uPA-R5 cells is significantly reduced by neutralizing anti-FGF2 antibodies to values similar to those observed in Neo2 cell-treated CAMs. Accordingly, purified human uPA stimulates neovascularization of the CAM in the absence of an inflammatory response. The angiogenic activity of uPA is significantly inhibited by neutralizing anti-FGF2 antibodies or by pretreatment with phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. The non-catalytic, receptor-binding amino-terminal fragment of uPA is instead non angiogenic. Taken together, the data indicate that uPA is able to induce angiogenesis in vivo via a plasmin-dependent degradation of ECM that causes the mobilization of stored endogenous FGF2.

Allantois↗

Angiogenesis in lipoma: An experimental study in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane.

Lipoma is one of the most common benign mesenchymal tumors. Its ability to trigger an angiogenic response is a critical step for its growth. Because adipose tissue serves as an important conduit for the vasculature, it is conceivable that the angiogenic properties of this tissue may modulate the growth of the vasculature in a paracrine manner. We investigated in vivo the angiogenic potential of bioptic fragments of human lipoma by using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), a useful model for such an investigation. The angiogenic response in pathological and control implants was assessed on histologic sections by a morphometric method, 96 h after grafting. Results showed that pathological samples were surrounded by numerous allantoic vessels with a radially arranged pattern around the implant. The vascular counts in the CAMs treated with lipoma implants were comparable to that of FGF-2. The role played in vasoproliferative response by angiogenic cytokines (FGF-2, VEGF) released by adipocytes, by endogenous cytokines, such as FGF-2, stored in the CAM extracellular matrix and by angiogenic growth factors released by perivascular mononuclear cells around the newly-formed blood vessels, were supported by this study.

Adult↗

ICAM 1 expression and fluid phase endocytosis of cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells following exposure to interferon beta-1a and TNFalpha.

We have studied the effect of interferon (IF) beta-1a on the basal and TNFalpha-induced intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM 1) expression and fluid phase endocytosis (FPE) of horseradish peroxidase in cultured rat brain microvascular endothelial cells. Neither basal ICAM 1 expression nor basal FPE were significantly affected by 24-72 h exposure to 1000 U/ml IFbeta-1a. ICAM 1 induction and FPE enhancement caused by 100 U/ml TNFalpha for 24 h was not influenced by simultaneous administration of 1000 U/ml IFbeta-1a. Treatment of cultures with IFbeta-1a for 48 h followed by 24-h coincubation with TNFalpha (100 U/ml) and IFbeta-1a (1000 U/ml) resulted in significant downregulation of TNFalpha-induced ICAM 1 expression and FPE. Downregulation of TNFalpha-induced ICAM 1 expression was not observed when combined treatment with TNFalpha (100 U/ml) and IFbeta-1a (1000 U/ml) for 24 h was followed by 48 h exposure to IFbeta-1a. We concluded that the blood-brain barrier endothelium may be a target of IFbeta-1a. Further, these in vitro findings may correlate with the results of recent clinical trials indicating that chronic treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis with IFbeta-1a prevents both clinical exacerbations and the appearance on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of new lesions enhanced by gadolinium which is taken up by increased transendothelial fluid phase vesicular transport.

Animals↗

Human neuroblastoma cells produce extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes, induce endothelial cell proliferation and are angiogenic in vivo.

Direct experimental evidence shows that tumor growth and metastases are angiogenesis-dependent. Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial malignant solid tumor of childhood. In this study, we investigated 2 human NB cell lines, LAN-5 and GI-LI-N, for their capacity to secrete 2 extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes, MMP-2 and MMP-9, and to induce in vitro human microvascular endothelial cells (EC) to proliferate and in vivo angiogenesis in the chick embryo chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Conditioned medium (CM) from both cell lines stimulated in vitro EC proliferation and the effect of LAN-5 CM was higher than that of GI-LI-N cells. Moreover, anti-VEGF, but not anti-FGF2 antibodies, prevented growth increment of EC. NB cell lines secreted the active form of MMP-2 almost exclusively, LAN-5 cells more than GI-LI-N cells. Both cell lines, LAN-5 cells more than GI-LI-N ones, induced angiogenesis in the CAM assay. Our data suggest that the 2 NB cell lines are angiogenic, to LAN-5 cells more than GI-LI-N ones. LAN-5 cells are indeed endowed with a more aggressive and invasive phenotype.

Allantois↗

Systemic sclerosis stimulates angiogenesis in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane.

Skin biopsies from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) were investigated for their angiogenic activity by using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Ten samples of SSc and 10 of normal skin from age- and sex-matched subjects were grafted onto the CAM, and the angiogenic response in pathological and control implants was assessed on histological sections by a planimetric point-count method 4 days after grafting. The vascular counts in the area underlying the SSc were significantly higher than those of normal skin and a dense mononuclear cell infiltrate was detectable around the blood vessels in pathological specimens. These results suggest that SSc may promote angiogenesis, perhaps leading to the release of several angiogenic factors. Moreover, the role played in the angiogenic response by the inflammatory cells forming the cellular infiltrate is suggested by this study.

Adult↗

Ultrastructural localization of lectin binding sites in the developing brain microvasculature.

The temporo-spatial patterning of lectin-binding sites was examined by lectin histochemistry and quantitative methods in the microvasculature of the optic tectum of 9-, 14-, 20-day-old embryos and 30-day-old chickens. Horseradish peroxidase and colloidal-gold-labelled lectins were used for detection of beta-D-galactose (RCA-I, Ricinus communis agglutinin-I) and of N-acetylglucosamine and sialic residues (WGA, Wheat germ agglutinin) at light and electron microscopical levels. At the light microscopical level, RCA-I and WGA binding sites were detectable in the early embryonic capillaries in a diffuse staining pattern; in later embryonic stages and in adult animals, RCA-I labelling became located on the abluminal surface of the vessels, while WGA staining was detected on the luminal surface. Ultrastructurally, gold labelling for RCA-I was seen intracytoplasmically in endothelial cells in 9-day-old embryos. In 14-to 20-day-old embryos and in chickens, binding sites for RCA-I were detected in endothelial tight junctions and basement membranes. In contrast, labelling of the gold-coupled WGA lectin was distributed almost exclusively on the luminal endothelial surface already in early embryos. The results indicate that the endothelial cells of the optic tectum acquire functional polarity early in their development and that glycoconjugates containing beta-D-galactose residues are involved in the biochemical composition of the tight junctions and basement membrane, which are considered to be key structures in blood-brain barrier (BBB) differentiation.

Animals↗

Human lymphoblastoid cells produce extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes and induce endothelial cell proliferation, migration, morphogenesis, and angiogenesis.

Human lymphoproliferative diseases can be hypothesized to invade locally and to metastatize via mechanisms similar to those developed by a variety of solid tumors, i.e., the secretion of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes and stimulation of angiogenesis. To assess this hypothesis, Namalwa, Raji, and Daudi cell lines (Burkitt's lymphoma), LIK and SB cell lines (B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia), CEM and Jurkat cell lines (T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia), and U266 cell line (multiple myeloma) were evaluated for their capacity to produce matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator. These cell lines were also assessed for their ability: (1) to produce the angiogenic basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor; (2) to induce an angiogenic phenotype in cultured endothelial cells, represented by cell proliferation, chemotaxis, and morphogenesis; (3) to stimulate angiogenesis in different in vivo experimental models. All cell lines expressed the mRNA for one or both metalloproteinases. Namalwa, Raji, LIK, SB, and U266 cells secreted the active form of both metalloproteinases, while Daudi, CEM, and Jurkat cells produced metalloproteinase-2 but not-9. In contrast, urokinase-type plasminogen activator was secreted only by SB cells. While Raji, LIK, SB, CEM, and Jurkat cells secreted both basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, Daudi and U266 cells produced only the former, and Namalwa cells only the latter. Accordingly, the conditioned medium of all cell lines stimulated cell proliferation and/or chemotaxis in cultured endothelial cells, with the exception of that of Namalwa cells which was ineffective. The conditioned medium of CEM and Jurkat cells induced morphogenesis in cultured endothelial cells grown on a reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel). Lastly, Namalwa, Raji, LIK, SB, U266, CEM, and Jurkat cells induced angiogenesis and mononuclear cell recruitment in the murine Matrigel sponge model and in a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay. The extent of angiogenesis in both models was strictly correlated with the density of the mononuclear cell infiltrate. The results indicate that human lymphoproliferative disease cells possess both local and remote invasive ability via the secretion of matrix-degrading enzymes and the induction of angiogenesis which is fostered by host inflammatory cells and by an intervening ensemble of angiogenic factors.

Animals↗

Do mast cells help to induce angiogenesis in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas?

Morphological and morphometric data showing a higher number of mast cells (MCs) in the stroma of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHL) than in benign lymphadenopathies are presented in support of the suggestion that angiogenesis during the progression of B-NHL may be partly mediated by angiogenic factors in their secretory granules.

Humans↗

Expression of tenascin is related to angiogenesis in pre-eclampsia.

METHODS: Ten samples of decidua basalis from pre-eclamptic women and 10 from healthy primigravid women subjected to caesarean section (control tissues) were investigated immunohistochemically for changes in angiogenesis and expression of tenascin, an extracellular matrix protein thought to modulate angiogenesis. In addition, pre-eclamptic and control samples were grafted onto the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) to study their possible angiogenic activity in vivo. RESULTS: Although the microvessel area was low in control samples, it increased significantly in the pre-eclamptic decidua. In parallel, the area covered by tenascin staining underwent a significant expansion that was highly correlated with the microvessel area. Angiogenic activity was assessed both macroscopically and microscopically on histological sections 4 days after grafting. In contrast to control samples, pre-eclamptic decidua induced an intense capillary growth, and numerous capillaries converging towards the implant and forming a spoke-wheel pattern were evident. Histological examination using a planimetric point-count method showed that microvessel counts in the CAM area under and around the pre-eclamptic implants were significantly higher than those of control samples. Again, the extracellular matrix of nearby microvessels was strongly immunoreactive with tenascin. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that, unlike normal decidua, pre-eclamptic decidua displays an intense, autonomous angiogenic activity, probably mediated by tenascin in addition to its own angiogenic factors.

Allantois↗

Lipoprotein (a) induces angiogenesis on the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane.

BACKGROUND: Both lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and angiogenesis have been shown to be associated with initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaque. Lp(a) and two neutralizing anti-Lp(a) antibodies were investigated for their capacity to affect the vasoproliferative processes of the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), a useful model for such an investigation. METHODS: Gelatin sponges loaded with Lp(a) alone or together with anti-Lp(a) antibodies, or with vehicle alone, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), were implanted in vivo onto the CAM at incubation day 8. Four days later, sponges and the adjacent CAM tissues were assessed for the extent of angiogenesis in terms of microvessel counts. RESULTS: Lp(a)-loaded sponges gave significantly higher counts than those loaded with the LP(a)-anti-Lp(a) antibodies complex, which overlapped those treated with PBS. The angiogenic response was similar to that obtained with basic fibroblast growth factor, a well known angiogenic molecule. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that Lp(a) is capable of inducing angiogenesis in vivo, which might account for its ability to enhance and support atherosclerosis.

Allantois↗

Angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma: an experimental study in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane.

Ten samples of human hepatocellular carcinoma and three of a laceration injure of the liver (controls) were grafted onto the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) to investigate their possible angiogenic activity. The angiogenic response in pathological and control implants was assessed on histologic sections by a morphometric method, 4 days after grafting. The vascular count in the CAMs treated with the pathological implants was significantly higher compared to control ones and the angiogenic response induced by pathological implants was comparable to that of a well known angiogenic molecule, namely basic fibroblast growth factor. The role played in vasoproliferative response by angio-genic cytokines released by tumor cells, by CAM extracellular matrix and by the perivascular mononuclear cells was supported by this study.

Allantois↗

Role of basic fibroblast growth factor in the formation of the capillary plexus in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. An in situ hybridization, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.

The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is supplied by an extensive capillary network. We have previously demonstrated that a Mr 16,000 basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2)-like molecule is present in the CAM. At present, no data are available on the cellular source(s) of FGF2 in the CAM. In this work, CAM has been investigated by in situ hybridization with the aim to identify the source(s) of endogenous FGF2 during development. The immunohistochemical expression of fibronectin, laminin and type IV collagen in the CAM extracellular matrix (ECM) and the ultrastructural relationships between chorionic epithelium and the underlying capillary plexus were also studied. Our findings strongly suggest that FGF2 regulates the development of the capillary plexus by two sequential steps. In an early paracrine phase, chorionic epithelial cells secrete FGF2, thus eliciting an angiogenic response in the undifferentiated mesodermal blood vessels. In response to this paracrine signalling, the newly formed endothelial cells move through a permissive ECM and migrate beneath the chorion. Here, they synthesize an autocrine supply of FGF2 necessary to further proliferate and differentiate, thus originating the capillary plexus.

Allantois↗

Free laminin in the extracellular matrix of B-cell non Hodgkin's lymphomas.

The authors show that in the perivascular stroma of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHL) is present a granular, speckled pattern of expression of laminin, similar to the 'free-laminin' firstly described by Lugassy et al. (1997) in human melanoma. The role of this form of laminin may be to promote the migration of tumor cells, which express a variety of binding-laminin surface proteins, whose expression is significantly increased in several human cancer models.

Extracellular Matrix↗

Antiangiogenesis by cyclosporine.

The effects of cyclosporine on certain endothelial cell functions, namely matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 secretion, proliferation, chemotaxis, and morphogenesis, were investigated in vitro, and its effects on angiogenesis were studied in vivo by using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. In vitro, at low noncytotoxic doses (2, 4, 8, and 16 microg/mL), cyclosporine inhibited all these functions in a dose-dependent manner, although MMP-2 secretion was inhibited only at 16 microg/mL. The absence of cytotoxicity was confirmed morphologically and also because inhibition was rapidly reversed as soon as cyclosporine was removed. In vivo, cyclosporine at 0.012 and 0.024 microg per CAM displayed noncytotoxic, dose-dependent antiangiogenic activity. Biochemically, the drug inhibited the activity of the endothelial cell respiratory chain enzymes succinate oxidase and cytochrome-c oxidase, again in a dose-dependent manner. This finding could explain the effects observed in vitro and in vivo. These antiangiogenic properties of low-dose cyclosporine warrant further investigation in certain autoimmune and neoplastic diseases characterized by enhanced angiogenesis.

Allantois↗