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PubMed1980

Dynamics of ascites formation in rats with experimental cirrhosis.

Renal function, sodium balance, and ascites formation were observed during induction in rats of experimental cirrhosis. The same variables were studied after partial removal of the ascites in rats with experimental cirrhosis. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (RPF) did not change during hepatic cirrhosis development. Positive sodium balance significantly higher than that observed in controls preceded the appearance of ascites for a period of about 2 wk. When the ascites was removed, GFR, RPF and positive Na balance did not change if Na intake remained constant. Ascites reformation rate was largely dependent on sodium balance. These data strongly support the "overflow" theory of ascites formation and are difficult to reconcile with the classical "underfilling" theory.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Antenatal ultrasonographic appearance of isolated fetal ascites. A case report of sinus urogenitalis.

BACKGROUND: Isolated fetal ascites can be caused by many heterogeneous disorders and is associated with a variety of conditions. Cloacal anomalies are rare abnormalities with a highly variable array of sonographic symptoms, which make them difficult to diagnose antenatally. We present a case with isolated fetal ascites without hydronephrosis caused by a cloacal malformation. CASE: A 28-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, was referred to our unit at 18 weeks gestation with a hyperdense structure in the fetal liver. Cordocentesis revealed a normal karyotype and negative viral titers. Isolated fetal ascites occurred for the first time at 23 weeks gestation. Serial ultrasounds showed progressive fetal ascites with no hydronephrosis at any time and no other malformations apart from the previously diagnosed hyperechogenic liver structure. After the insertion of an abdomino-amniotic shunt, a temporary reduction of the sonographically detectable ascites could be achieved. Cesarean delivery was necessary due to a pathological CTG at 33 weeks of gestation. The baby was born with a markedly distended abdomen. Postnatal radiologic examination showed two fistulae between the cloaca and the notedly dilated vagina and the rectum respectively. At the age of 3 months a vaginoplasty was performed, which involved creating a correctly positioned vaginal opening, reconstruction of the urethra and rectum as well as occlusion of the two fistulae. CONCLUSION: In view of the examinations, performed before and after delivery, it has to be assumed that fetal urine drained via the cloaca through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen. In contrast to usual appearance of cloacal malformations no hydronephrosis was detected and the kidney function was normal at all times. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of isolated fetal ascites without hydronephrosis caused by a cloacal malformation.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Treatment of a patient with end-stage renal disease, severe iron overload and ascites by weekly phlebotomy combined with recombinant human erythropoietin.

A 41-year-old hemodialyzed woman developed ascites and was found to have secondary iron overload. The dose of administered iron was approximately 11-12 g, and her serum ferritin level was 15,000 ng/ml (15,000 micrograms/l). There were no signs of congestive heart failure, fluid overload, or liver cirrhosis. A program of weekly phlebotomy combined with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) therapy was tried to eliminate the iron congestion. After 9 months of this therapy, about 5 g of iron had been removed. The ascites completely disappeared, and her serum ferritin level fell to 5,800 ng/ml (5,800 micrograms/l). This suggests that such combined therapy would be useful when iron overload must be corrected rapidly. Before therapy, the sterile ascitic fluid showed exudative characteristics with 3.7 g/dl (37 g/l) of total protein. The serum-ascites albumin difference was 0.6 g/dl (6 g/l), and the fluid contained 1,400 inflammatory cells/mm3 (1.4 X 10(9)/l). Notably, the serum-ascites albumin difference increased in parallel with iron elimination. These findings suggested that iron deposition may have played a role in changing the permeability of the peritoneum, or in impairing lymphatic drainage, both of which are presumed to be pathogenetic factors of nephrogenic ascites.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

Immune complexes and cryoproteins in ascitic fluid of patients with alcoholic liver disease.

27 paired specimens of ascitic fluid and serum obtained from patients with alcoholic liver disease were tested for cryoproteins and immune complexes by the C1q binding assay. 20 sera (74%) and ten ascitic fluid (37%) had significant amounts of cryoproteins. The cryoproteins were of the 'mixed' type of cryoglobulins consisting of IgG, IgM, IgA, C3 and C1q. The C1q binding test was positive in 17 sera (63%) and in 16 ascitic fluid (59%). Intracytoplasmic inclusions of immunoglobulin and complement were found within the ascitic fluid leukocytes by direct immunofluorescence. The presence of immune complexes in the ascitic fluid may be important in the reduction of the complement level of cirrhotic ascitic fluid.

Antibodies↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Sarcomatous hepatocellular carcinoma with malignant ascites. A report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Although some cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are known to possess a sarcomatous appearance, their cytologic characteristics in ascites have not been reported. CASES: Two Japanese males, aged 67 and 60 were admitted to the Gifu Municipal Hospital because of liver tumors. In the first case, although transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) was performed, ascites with neoplastic cells continued to enlarge, and the patient died of liver failure. In the second case, although TAE, percutaneous ethanol injection therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were performed, the patient died of tumor progression: expansion of the hepatic tumor, metastases to distal organs and increasing malignant ascites. Neoplastic cells in the ascites of both cases had nuclei that were shaped irregularly or were vesicular and contained conspicuous nucleoli. A number of multinucleated giant cells were also seen. Immunocytochemically, numerous neoplastic cells were positive for alpha-fetoprotein. These findings suggested sarcomatous HCC. Also, histologic findings of the liver tumors at autopsy showed the appearance of sarcomatous HCC. CONCLUSION: In both cases presented, HCC cells with sarcomatous change were observed in ascites. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the cytologic diagnosis of sarcomatous HCC in ascites.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Palliative treatment of malignant refractory ascites by positioning of Denver peritoneovenous shunt.

Malignant ascites is relatively common in patients with certain types of end-stage cancer. Traditional treatments based on fluid and salt restriction and diuretic therapy often are not able to contain neoplastic ascites. These patients consequently undergo repeated abdominal paracentesis, with further plasma protein loss and risk of injury to abdominal viscera. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with Denver peritoneovenous shunt and the outcome of patients with malignant ascites and suggest some modifications to improve device patency. From February 1997 to December 1999, 44 Denver peritoneovenous shunts were placed in 42 patients, 17 women and 25 men, aged between 38 and 77 years (mean, 62.3), affected with malignant ascites due to advanced abdominal cancer. At the time of admission, 72% of patients had pain, 88% dysphagia, 66% nausea and/or vomiting, and 83% dyspnea. Eleven patients underwent local anesthesia with lidocaine and 33 general anesthesia with rapidly metabolized drugs. In 27 cases we used the peritoneal-internal jugular right vein surgical approach and in 3 cases the peritoneal-femoral vein surgical access, joining the saphena vein to the cross. In 10 cases, a radiological positioning of the Denver peritoneovenous shunt was effected by a trans-subclavian access. Relief of ascites symptoms was obtained in 87.5% of cases, with reduction of dyspnea, an increased appetite and improved ambulation. Denver peritoneovenous shunt is a good device to relieve malignant ascites, thereby reducing the risk of complications and the number of hospital admissions due to repeated paracentesis and consequently improving the quality of life. A careful patient selection, an accurate follow-up and some device modifications could improve the shunt performance, allowing a wider application of the Denver peritoneovenous shunt.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

Concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin receptors in the ascitic fluid of rat hepatomas.

The presence of glycopeptide lectin receptors in the ascitic fluid of rats bearing Novikoff or AS-30D hepatoma was investigated. Macrosialoglycopeptides, resistant to pronase digestion, were partially purified from the ascitic fluid of hepatoma-bearing rats by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50. A macrosialoglycopeptide fraction, isolated from the ascitic fluid of rats bearing the Novikoff hepatoma, possessed potent concanavalin A (Con A) receptor activity. This fraction possessed higher Con A receptor activity than did the comparable macrosialoglycopeptide fraction from the ascitic fluid of rats bearing the AS-30D hepatoma; this obeservation is in agreement with the Con A-induced agglutination properties of these 2 hepatoma cell lines and with the Con A receptor activities of the glycopeptides released from the surface of the hepatoma cells by papain digestion. Rat blood serum contained a comparable macrosialoglycopeptide fraction, which possessed weak Con A receptor activity. The macrosialoglycopeptide fractions from the ascitic fluid of hepatoma-bearing rats possessed wheat germ agglutinin receptor activity. However, this activity was also present in normal rat serum. These results suggest that glycopeptides present on the surface of Novikoff hepatoma cells are shed into the ascitic fluid and may be distinguished from components in normal serum by their Con A receptor activity.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Some ascites monoclonal antibody preparations contain contaminants that bind to selected Golgi zones or mast cells.

A small proportion of mouse ascites fluid induced by hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies or myelomas secreting immunoglobulin yielded staining that was confined to the Golgi zone of certain epithelial cell types in rats and gerbils but not in mice. In addition, a commercial IgG fraction from mouse plasma similarly labeled the Golgi area, unlike IgG from mouse serum from another source. Culture supernatant from one hybridoma line contrasted with ascites fluid produced by the same hybridoma in failing to stain the Golgi region. The capacity of a fluid to react with the Golgi cisternae bore no relationship to the class of immunoglobulin secreted by the hybridoma or myeloma. Absorption of an ascites fluid with blood group A1 human erythrocytes eliminated its affinity for Golgi cisternae. Adsorption with blood group A2 or B or two type O cells used for screening for blood group antibodies had no effect on Golgi zone labeling by this ascites fluid. The positive cells included most serous secretory cells in rats, serous cells of sublingual and tracheal glands, and some endometrial and oviduct-lining cells in gerbils, and columnar lining cells of small intestine and cecum and all or part of the lining cells in some prostate lobes in both genera. Some of the tested ascites fluids stained mast cells. The agent accounting for mast cell labeling differed, however, from that reacting with Golgi cisternae in its distribution among the mouse ascites fluids examined, lack of relationship to the ABO blood group system, occurrence additionally in normal rat serum, and capacity to stain cells in mice as well as rats and gerbils.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Microheterogeneity of transthyretin in serum and ascitic fluid of ovarian cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Transthyretin (TTR), a traditional biomarker for nutritional and inflammatory status exists in different molecular variants of yet unknown importance. A truncated form of TTR has recently been described to be part of a set of biomarkers for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The main aim of the study was therefore to characterize differences in microheterogeneity between ascitic fluid and plasma of women affected with ovarian cancer and to evaluate the tumor site as the possible source of TTR. METHODS: Subjects were 48 women with primary invasive epithelial ovarian cancer or recurrent ovarian carcinoma. The control group consisted of 20 postmenopausal women. TTR and retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels by a high-sensitivity latex particle turbidimetric assay. The molecular heterogeneity of TTR was analysed using immunoprecipitation and matrix-associated laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Presence of TTR in tumor tissue was determined with indirect peroxidase immunostaining. RESULTS: TTR and RBP (microg/ml) levels in serum were 148.5 +/- 96.7 and 22.5 +/- 14.8 in affected women compared to 363.3 +/- 105.5 and 55.8 +/- 9.3 in healthy postmenopausal women (p < 0.01). In ascitic fluid, levels were 1.02 +/- 0.24 and 4.63 +/- 1.57 microg/ml, respectively. The mean levels of TTR and RBP in serum showed a tendency to decrease with the severity of the disease and were lower in affected women whose CRP levels were > 40 mg/ml (p = 0.08 for TTR; p < 0.05 for RBP). No differences in TTR microheterogeneity were observed between TTR isolated from serum of affected and healthy women or from ascitic fluid. TTR occurred rather consistently in four variants. Mass signals were at 13758 +/- 7, 13876 +/- 13 (greatest intensity), 13924 +/- 21 and 14062 +/- 24 Da, representing native, S-cysteinylated, S-cysteinglycinylated and glutathionylated TTR, respectively. Serum of healthy and affected women as well as ascitic fluid contained the truncated fragment of TTR (12828 +/- 11 Da). No immunoreactive TTR was observed in the tumor sites. CONCLUSION: The severity of the cancer associated catabolism as well as the inflammation status affect serum TTR and RBP levels. Neither TTR nor its truncated form originates from tumor tissue and its occurrence in ascites may well reflect the filtration from blood into ascitic fluid.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Ascitic interleukin-12 is an independent prognostic factor in ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE: The clinical impact of endogenous cytokines supplied with deterministic properties in the generation of either T helper (Th)1 -type or Th2-type immune response was investigated in patients with ovarian cancer. Whereas interleukin (IL)- 12 initiates the differentiation of naive Th0 cells toward Th1 phenotype, IL-4 and IL-10 mediate the development of Th2-type immunity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cytokines were determined before treatment by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in ascites fluid and serum of 76 patients with ovarian cancer. Cytokine levels were compared with each other and with standard clinicopathologic parameters. A stepwise logistic regression was calculated to rule out interdependence in the associations of the various variables. Survival analyses were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and differences in survival were examined according to Mantel and Breslow. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: Whereas IL-10 and IL-12 were detectable in all ascites-fluid samples, IL-4 was measurable in only 43% of the specimens. With the exception of neopterin, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and IL-4, determined cytokine levels were significantly elevated in ascites fluid compared with serum (P < .01). In univariate analyses, high ascitic-fluid concentrations of either neopterin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), or IL-12 were associated with poor disease-free (P < .005) and overall (P < .01) survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed ascitic-fluid IL-12 levels to be the only immunologic variable that retained independent prognostic significance (P < .03 for disease-free and P < .01 for overall survival), together with residual disease, Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (FIGO)-stage, and patient age. CONCLUSION: In ovarian cancer, high ascitic-fluid IL-12 levels, which may indicate a local Th1-generated immune response, are associated with disease progression.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Fibronectin in the ascitic fluid of cirrhotic patients: correlation with biochemical risk factors for the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Cirrhotic patients (23 with alcoholic cirrhosis, 5 with posthepatitic cirrhosis and 2 with cryptogenic cirrhosis) with ascites and portal hypertension were studied and divided into two groups corresponding to high or low risk to develop spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) related to the concentration of total protein in the ascitic fluid (A-TP): group I (high risk): A-TP < or = 1.5 g/dl and group II (low risk): A-TP > 1.5 g/dl. Fibronectin (FN), C3 and C4 concentrations were measured by radial immunodiffusion while total protein was measured by the biuret method. The mean values (group I vs group II) of C3 (12.59 +/- 4.72 vs 24.53 +/- 15.58 mg/dl), C4 (4.26 +/- 3.87 vs 7.26 +/- 4.14 mg/dl) and FN (50.47 +/- 12.49 vs 75.89 +/- 24.70 mg/dl) in the ascitic fluid were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the group considered to be at high risk for SBP. No significant difference was observed in the plasma/ascites fibronectin ratio (3.91 +/- 1.21 vs 3.80 +/- 1.26) or gradient (131.46 +/- 64.01 vs 196.96 +/- 57.38) between groups. Fibronectin in ascites was significantly correlated to C3 (r = 0.76), C4 (r = 0.58), total protein (r = 0.73) and plasma FN (r = 0.58) (P < 0.05). The data suggest that the FN concentration in ascites is related to the opsonic capacity of this fluid, and that its concentration in the ascitic fluid may be a biochemical risk factor indicator for the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Chlamydia trachomatis peritonitis: report of a patient presenting spontaneous regression of ascites.

A 36-year-old Japanese woman complained of right hypochondralgia followed by ascites. Paracentesis showed a turbid, straw-colored sterile exudate. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen revealed a left periuteric mass and ascites. The mass and ascites spontaneously regressed within a month with no specific treatment. Later, after the patient had been discharged from hospital, immunofluorescence antibody titers for Chlamydia trachomatis were successfully determined using stored ascitic fluid and serum. Though the number of cases of Chlamydia trachomatis peritonitis has increased, few cases with ascites have been reported, and spontaneous regression of the ascites is also rare.

Adult↗

PubMed1986

Adjuvant effects of tranexamic acid to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients with large amount of ascites.

Eleven patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma who had large quantities of ascites during the course of previous chemotherapy were tested with intraperitoneal injections of tranexamic acid, followed by combination chemotherapy. A 4-g dose of tranexamic acid was administered intraperitoneally every day for at least 2 weeks. Seven out of 11 patients (63.6%) showed changes from positive to negative in Papanicolaou smears of the ascitic fluid after treatment with tranexamic acid. A marked reduction of ascitic fluids was observed in 4 of 11 patients (36.4%). If 2 cases with partial reduction of ascites are included, the response rate improved to 54.5%. Median survival time after initiation of treatment with tranexamic acid was significantly longer in patients with good response to tranexamic acid than in patients with poor response. Proliferation of cells in cultures established from ovarian cancer tissue of a patient with good response to tranexamic acid was inhibited at all concentrations of tranexamic acid used in this study, in contrast to non-inhibition of similar cells cultured from a patient with poor response, at any concentration of tranexamic acid. These results suggest that treatment with tranexamic acid suppresses malignant cells in the ascites, followed by reduction of ascites themselves, and an improvement in the response rate to subsequent chemotherapy.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Effects of high dose atrial natriuretic peptide on renal haemodynamics, sodium handling and hormones in cirrhotic patients with and without ascites.

To elucidate and to try to reverse the antinatriuretic mechanisms in liver cirrhosis, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was given as a pharmacological bolus dose (2 micrograms per kg body weight) to 14 cirrhotic patients, and as a control to 14 healthy subjects. The nine patients with ascites had baseline values of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and blood pressure (BP) similar to controls. Their distal tubular fractional reabsorption of sodium (DFRNa), estimated by the lithium clearance technique, was higher than in controls, and so were plasma values of aldosterone (564 vs. 119 pmol l-1 medians), endothelin (1.23 vs. 0.63 pmol l-1), ANP (7.5 vs. 3.6 pmol l-1) and cyclic GMP (8.8 vs. 4.6 nmol l-1); p < 0.01 for all. The five patients without ascites had higher GFR and ERPF, and lower plasma angiotensin II than controls. After ANP injection, similar plasma levels of ANP and cyclic GMP were reached in all groups. Urinary sodium excretion rate increased in controls (0.23 to 0.52 mmol min-1, p < 0.01), while GFR increased (108 to 117 ml min-1, p < 0.05), and DFRNa decreased (93 to 89%, p < 0.01). In cirrhotics with ascites sodium excretion was unaltered (0.12 to 0.11 mmol min-1), and so was GFR (84 to 83 ml min-1). Proximal tubular fractional reabsorption of sodium increased after 90 min, whereas DFRNa decreased immediately (97 to 96%, p < 0.01) though less markedly than in controls. Sodium excretion increased in four of five patients without ascites (0.23 to 0.27 mmol min-1, medians). In patients with ascites, endothelin in plasma decreased after ANP (p < 0.05). Plasma levels of angiotensin II, aldosterone and vasopressin were unchanged in all groups. In conclusion, although hyper-reabsorption of sodium occurred in the distal rather than the proximal part of the nephron in cirrhotic patients with ascites, ANP had no natriuretic effect. This was most probably due primarily to the lack of increase of GFR and blunted inhibition of DFRNa, attributed to high aldosterone. The effect of ANP in suppressing the high endothelin did not seem to improve sodium excretion.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

A first report of familial visceral myopathy with additional chylous ascites in two siblings.

BACKGROUND: Familial visceral myopathy in two siblings, involving the intestine with concurrent chylous ascites and chylous pleural effusion, is reported. In this connection a review of the recent gastroenterologic literature was performed. PATIENTS: In two siblings, admitted between 1992 and 1995 with increasing ascites, loss of weight, and attacks of subileus, the diagnosis of familial visceral myopathy was established. CASE ONE: During the initial preoperative examination hepatogenous ascites was diagnosed. Visceral myopathy and chylous ascites were subsequently established by means of an explorative laparotomy in conjunction with histologic examination of specimens taken from the small-bowel wall. CASE TWO: The patient's brother was admitted 3 years later with similar symptoms. Complaints of chylous ascites and chylous pleural effusion in connection with attacks of subileus are still present. OUTCOME: The female sibling was discharged from hospital with unchanged complaints and died only a few months later; the male sibling is still alive, but with unchanged complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Rare cases of familial and sporadic myopathy have been reported in the recent literature, but to our knowledge these are the first cases with concurrent chylous ascites and chylous pleural effusion in this uncommon disorder.

Aged↗

PubMed1990

Ascites in growing broilers: a research model.

A method was developed to experimentally produce ascites in broiler chickens. High-altitude simulation (treatment group) was conducted to study the development of ascites in broiler chickens. In each of three experiments, 15 male broiler chicks (1 wk old) were placed in a hypobaric chamber (principal groups) for 5 wk and 15 other chicks were reared in batteries (control groups). Ascites occurred among chicks in the principal groups recorded at 13, 27, and 80% at simulated altitudes of 1,980, 2,438, and 2,896 m, respectively. No ascites were observed in the controls at 100 m (the altitude at College Station, Texas). Body weight was significantly (P less than .05) reduced for broilers in the principal groups versus the controls-especially at 2,896 m, where the principals weighed 500 g less than the controls. The counts for hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cells were significantly (P less than .05) increased in all treatment groups; while at 2,438 and 2,896 m, corticosterone was significantly reduced. Histopathology indicated consistent, mild, cardiopulmonary lesions similar to those observed in the spontaneous ascites of broiler chickens. The high-altitude simulation model will be useful in studying the etiological factors and interactions causing ascites.

Altitude↗

PubMed2004

Chylous ascites: treated with total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin.

AIM: To determine the effects of total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin on patients with chylous ascites. METHODS: Five patients were diagnosed with chylous ascites on the basis of laboratory findings of ascites sample from Nov 1999 to May 2003. Total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin or its analogue was administered to 4 patients, while the other one only received total parenteral nutrition. All the patients had persistent peritoneal drainage, with the quantity and quality of drainage fluid observed daily. Necessary supportive treatments were given to the patients individually during the therapy. RESULTS: Two of 4 patients who received somatostatin therapy obtained complete recovery within 10 d without any recurrence while on a normal diet. In these 2 patients, the peritoneal drainage reduced to zero in one and the other's decreased from 2,000 mL to 80 mL with a clear appearance and negative qualitative analysis of chyle. Recurrent chylous ascites, though relieved effectively by the same method every time, developed in one patient with advanced pancreatic cancer. The other patient's lymphatic fistula was blocked with the fibrin glue after conservative treatment. The patient who only received total parenteral nutrition was cured 24 d after therapy. CONCLUSION: Total parenteral nutrition along with somatostatin can relieve the symptoms and close the fistula in patients with chylous ascites rapidly. It appears to be an effective therapy available for the treatment of chylous ascites caused by various disorders.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Cancer-derived VEGF plays no role in malignant ascites formation in the mouse.

AIM: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent mediator of peritoneal fluid accumulation following tumor progression. This study investigated the role of VEGF secreted by cancerous cells in the formation of malignant ascites. METHODS: VEGF expression was eliminated by knockdown in the pancreas cancer cell-line PancO2 using vector-based short-hairpin type RNA interference (RNAi). Malignant ascites formation in the mouse was analyzed by intraperitoneal injection of PancO2 cells expressing VEGF or with expression knockdown. RESULTS: The VEGF knockdown PancO2 cell was successfully established. Knockdown of VEGF did not affect cancer cell proliferation in vitro or in vivo. The volume of ascites following peritoneal expansion of the tumor in VEGF knockdown cells and control cells did not differ statistically in this in vivo study. Moreover, the VEGF concentration in the ascites did not differ statistically. CONCLUSION: Malignant ascites formation might be mediated by VEGF production in noncancerous tissues, such as stromal compartments. An anti-VEGF strategy against malignant ascites could be applied to various tumors regardless of whether they secrete VEGF.

Animals↗