Human peritoneal adhesions show evidence of tissue remodeling and markers of angiogenesis.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to investigate the vascular structure and angiogenic activity of human peritoneal adhesions.


METHODS
Adhesions were collected from patients undergoing laparotomy (n=32). Histologic features were documented and the distribution of mature and immature vascular markers were determined by immunolocalization and quantified by image analysis. The three-dimensional organization of blood vessels was investigated by confocal microscopy. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A, its receptor flk-1, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were assessed by immunohistochemistry as indicators of angiogenic activity.


RESULTS
Adhesions were found to be vascularized structures comprising bundles of collagen, interspersed with varying amounts of adipose tissue. Functional blood vessels expressed recognized vascular markers (vWF, CD34, alpha-SMA, and CD105) and formed a branching network similar to that of the peritoneum. Those adhesions expressing vascular endothelial growth factor A and its receptor showed significantly higher numbers of immature vessels as defined by expression of CD105. Omental adhesions (n=16) contained significantly more adipose tissue (P<0.05) and displayed a higher microvessel density (P<0.01) but lower cellularity (P<0.05) compared with nonomental adhesions (n=16).


CONCLUSIONS
All adhesions contained functional blood vessels and most showed evidence of cell proliferation. The presence of vascular endothelial growth factor A and its receptor in human adhesions suggests ongoing angiogenic activity. This study demonstrates that adhesions are vascular structures with evidence of tissue remodeling and suggests potential for new prevention strategies involving antiangiogenic therapies.
Epstein
Jonathan C
JC
Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, and Department of Surgery, Christie Hospital, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom.
Wilson
Malcolm S
MS
Wilkosz
Sylwia
S
Ireland
Grenham
G
O'Dwyer
Sarah T
ST
Herrick
Sarah E
SE
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D000071063:Endoglin; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008875:Middle Aged; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism*; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000378:metabolism; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / Q000378:metabolism
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015415:Biomarkers; C064206:ENG protein, human; D000071063:Endoglin; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D003094:Collagen; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase