Research Paper

In vitro Tumor Angiogenesis Assays: Plasminogen Lysine Binding Site 1 Inhibits in vitro Tumor-Induced Angiogenesis
Annemarie F. Barendsz-Janson^a, Arjan W. Griffioen^a, Annemarie D. Muller^a, Maria C.E. van Dam-Mieras^a,b, Harry F.P. Hillen<sup>a

a</sup> Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht, and
^b Department of Natural Science, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands

Address of Corresponding Author

J Vasc Res 1998;35:109-114 (DOI: 10.1159/000025572)

  Key Words

• Angiogenesis
• Endothelial cells
• Lysine binding site 1
• Angiostatin

  Abstract

It is generally accepted that tumors are angiogenesis-dependent. For research and clinical purposes it would be very attractive to have a simple in vitro model that allows a rapid screening of the angiogenic potential of tumors and to study the effect of angiogenic inhibitors. In vitro angiogenesis models were developed, based on endothelial sprouting/tube formation on a collagen gel, using both tumor cell lines and tumor biopsies. Best results were obtained using conditioned medium of tumor cell lines. In this model it was found that the plasminogen fragment lysine binding site 1 (LBS-1) inhibited in vitro endothelial cell sprouting. This is the first demonstration that LBS-1, which includes angiostatin, is inhibitory for new vessel formation in an in vitro angiogenesis model. We conclude that the assay system allows for rapid and reliable screening of angiogenesis inhibitors.

  Author Contacts

Dr. A.F. Barendsz-Janson
Department of Internal Medicine/Lab. Angiogenesis Research
University Hospital Maastricht, PO Box 5800
NL-6202 AZ Maastricht (The Netherlands)
Tel. +31 43 3874073, Fax +31 43 3875006

  Article Information

Received: Received: August 25, 1997
Accepted after revision: December 11, 1997
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 5, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 27