Vascular endothelial growth factor expression is increased in renal cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the expression of VEGF in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and normal kidney.


METHODS
RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were performed on tumour and normal adjacent kidney collected from 31 patients (29 RCC and 2 oncocytomas) as well as proliferating vascular endothelial cells (VEC) in culture.


RESULTS
Expression of 3 VEGF isoforms was detected in normal renal parenchyma and all ROC by RT-PCR, but was not apparent in proliferating VEC. In 27 RCC, Western blot analysis demonstrated 3-37 fold increases in VEGF expression when compared to normal parenchyma. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated VEGF staining of both tumour cells and adjacent vascular endothelium. Normal kidney showed no staining for VEGF. In the 2 remaining RCC and both oncocytomas VEGF was not increased.


CONCLUSIONS
VEGF expression is increased in RCC and may have a paracrine effect in these tumours in stimulating angiogenesis.
Nicol
D
D
Department of Surgery, University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
Hii
S I
SI
Walsh
M
M
Teh
B
B
Thompson
L
L
Kennett
C
C
Gotley
D
D
D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors