Role of nitric oxide in tumor angiogenesis.
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signalling molecule that acts in many tissues to regulate different physiological and pathological processes. We have contributed to demonstrate that NO stimulates angiogenesis and mediates the effect of different angiogenic molecules. In human tumors NOS expression and activity correlate with tumor growth and aggressiveness, through angiogenesis stimulation and regulation of angiogenic factor expression. Drugs affecting the NOS pathway appear promising antitumor strategies by reducing edema, inhibiting angiogenesis and facilitating the delivery of chemotherapeutical agents.
Morbidelli
Lucia
L
Section of Pharmacology, Dept. Molecular Biology and C.R.I.S.M.A., University of Siena Pharmacy School, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
Donnini
Sandra
S
Ziche
Marina
M
D000818:Animals; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D020033:Protein Isoforms
D020033:Protein Isoforms; D009569:Nitric Oxide