Expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family in human endometrial blood vessels.
Endometrial regrowth is associated with intense angiogenesis, for which vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is an important regulator. However, the expression of other members of the VEGF family is less well documented. The aim of this study was to localize members of the VEGF family (VEGF-A, -B and -C), and their receptors (VEGFR1, 2 and 3) in human endometrial blood vessels. Endometrial biopsies collected from four healthy and fertile women were used for immunohistochemistry assessments. Co-localization of VEGF-family proteins with CD34 stained endothelial structures was determined by image analysis. We demonstrate here the marked expression of VEGF-A as well as VEGFR2 and 3 in capillaries. Arterioles expressed VEGF-B, VEGFR1, 2, and 3 moderately and VEGF-A variably. Venules expressed only VEGFR3 markedly. In contrast, VEGF-C was not expressed in the arterioles, but moderately in the capillaries and weakly in the venules. VEGF-B was expressed in all blood vessels; however, VEGF-B was weakly expressed in capillaries and arterioles and moderately expressed in venules and arterioles. Thus, expression of VEGF-A. B and C and VEGF receptors 1-3 in endometrial blood vessels indicates a highly structured involvement of VEGF in the regulation of angiogenesis in the human endometrium.
Mints
M
M
Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. m.mints@telia.com
Blomgren
B
B
Falconer
C
C
Palmblad
J
J
D000328:Adult; D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D001160:Arterioles / Q000737:chemistry; D001706:Biopsy; D002196:Capillaries / Q000737:chemistry; D004717:Endometrium / Q000098:blood supply*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D017463:Receptors, Complement 3b / Q000032:analysis; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042561:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / Q000032:analysis; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / Q000032:analysis; D040321:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 / Q000032:analysis; D014699:Venules / Q000737:chemistry
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D017463:Receptors, Complement 3b; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042561:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2; D040321:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3