Authors:
Jeltsch, M.;
Kaipainen, A.;
Joukov, V.;
Meng, X.;
Lakso, M.;
Rauvala, H.;
Swartz, M.;
Fukumura, D.;
Jain, R.K.;
Alitalo, K.Source:
Science, Volume 276, Issue 5317, Molecular/Cancer Biology Laboratory, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Finland, p.1423-5 (1997)
URL:
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/276/5317/1423
Abstract:
No growth factors specific for the lymphatic vascular system have yet been described. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates vascular permeability and angiogenesis, but does not promote lymphangiogenesis. Overexpression of VEGF-C, a ligand of the VEGF receptors VEGFR-3 and VEGFR-2, in the skin of transgenic mice resulted in lymphatic, but not vascular, endothelial proliferation and vessel enlargement. Thus, VEGF-C induces selective hyperplasia of the lymphatic vasculature, which is involved in the draining of interstitial fluid and in immune function, inflammation, and tumor metastasis. VEGF-C may play a role in disorders involving the lymphatic system and may be of potential use in therapeutic lymphangiogenesis
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