Regenerating lizard tails: a new model for investigating lymphangiogenesis.
Impaired lymphatic drainage in human limbs causes the debilitating swelling termed lymphoedema. In mammals, known growth factors involved in the control of lymphangiogenesis (growth of new lymph vessels) are vascular endothelial growth factors-C and -D (VEGF-C/D). Here we characterize a model of lymphangiogenesis in which the tail of lizards is regenerated without becoming oedematous. Three weeks after the tail is shed (autotomy), there are a small number of large diameter lymphatic vessels in the regenerated tail. Thereafter, the number increases and the diameter decreases. A functional lymphatic network, as determined by lymphoscintigraphy, is established 6 wk after autotomy. The new network differs morphologically and functionally from that in original tails. This lymphatic regeneration is associated with an up-regulation of a reptilian homologue of the VEGF-C/D protein family (rVEGF-C/D), as determined by Western blot analysis using a human reactive VEGF-C polyclonal antibody. Regenerating lizard tails are potentially useful models for studying the molecular basis of lymphangiogenesis with a view to developing possible treatments for human lymphoedema.
Daniels
Christopher B
CB
Department of Environmental Biology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia. chris.daniels@adelaide.edu.au
Lewis
Benjamin C
BC
Tsopelas
Chris
C
Munns
Suzanne L
SL
Orgeig
Sandra
S
Baldwin
Megan E
ME
Stacker
Steven A
SA
Achen
Marc G
MG
Chatterton
Barry E
BE
Cooter
Rodney D
RD
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D007700:Kinetics; D008116:Lizards / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000032:analysis; D023421:Models, Animal; D012038:Regeneration; D013623:Tail; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors