Schwann cell-conditioned medium inhibits angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.
BACKGROUND
Neuroblastomas are biologically heterogeneous tumors that consist of two main cell populations: neuroblastic/ganglionic cells and Schwann cells. The amount of Schwannian stroma strongly impacts prognosis. Low tumor vascularity, localized stage, and favorable outcome are associated with tumors that are Schwannian stroma-rich/stroma-dominant.


METHODS
To investigate if Schwann cells play a role in inhibiting angiogenesis in neuroblastoma tumors, we examined the ability of human Schwann cell-conditioned medium to affect bFGF- and VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and migration, and in vivo angiogenesis.


RESULTS
Schwann cell-conditioned medium significantly inhibited bFGF- and VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and migration. This effect appears to be specific for endothelial cells as smooth muscle cell and fibroblast proliferation were not inhibited by this medium. Schwann cell-conditioned medium also inhibited in vivo angiogenesis in rat corneal assays.


CONCLUSIONS
Schwann cells produce a potent inhibitor(s) of angiogenesis that may be responsible for the low level of vascularity and more benign clinical behavior of Schwannian stroma-rich/stroma-dominant neuroblastoma tumors. Studies to identify the inhibitor(s) are ongoing.
Huang
D
D
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Rutkowski
J L
JL
Brodeur
G M
GM
Chou
P M
PM
Kwiatkowski
J L
JL
Babbo
A
A
Cohn
S L
SL
D002455:Cell Division; D002465:Cell Movement; D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology*; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000473:pathology; D012583:Schwann Cells
D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned