Co-expression of VEGF-C and its receptors, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, in endothelial cells of lymphangioma. Implication in autocrine or paracrine regulation of lymphangioma

H Y Huang; C C Ho; P H Huang; S M Hsu

doi:10.1038/labinvest.3780386

Co-expression of VEGF-C and its receptors, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, in endothelial cells of lymphangioma. Implication in autocrine or paracrine regulation of lymphangioma

Lab Invest. 2001 Dec;81(12):1729-34. doi: 10.1038/labinvest.3780386.

Authors

H Y Huang¹, C C Ho, P H Huang, S M Hsu

Affiliation

¹ Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

PMID: 11742043
DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.3780386

Abstract

Lymphangioma has long been thought of as congenital malformations resulting from the failure of lymphatic vessels communicating with the venous system in the fetal period. Alternatively, it is proposed to be true neoplasm originated from the transformation of lymphatic endothelia. To extend the molecular basis of the pathogenesis of lymphangioma, we have characterized the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors (VEGFR) in 29 cases of lymphangioma by RNA in situ hybridization. Endothelial cells of lymphangioma co-express transcripts of VEGF-C and its receptors VEGFR-3 (Flt4) and VEGFR-2 (Flk1), which are not detectable in the adjacent connective tissue. In contrast, there is little or no expression of VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, and VEGFR-2 mRNA in endothelial cells of hemangiomas, angiosarcomas, or normal lymphatic vessels of the small or large intestines. The results suggest that VEGF-C and its receptors may take active parts in the formation of lymphangioma by autocrine or paracrine regulation.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Autocrine Communication
Child
Child, Preschool
Endothelial Growth Factors / genetics
Endothelial Growth Factors / metabolism*
Endothelium / metabolism
Endothelium / pathology
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Infant
Interleukin-1 / metabolism
Lymphangioma / metabolism*
Lymphangioma / pathology
Lymphangioma / physiopathology
Lymphatic System / metabolism*
Lymphatic System / pathology
Mesoderm / metabolism
Mesoderm / pathology
Middle Aged
Paracrine Communication
RNA, Messenger / metabolism
Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism*
Receptors, Growth Factor / metabolism*
Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Tissue Distribution
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3

Substances

Endothelial Growth Factors
Interleukin-1
RNA, Messenger
Receptors, Growth Factor
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C
Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3