Nerve growth factor promotes formation of lumen-like structures in vitro through inducing apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
Recent evidence suggests that apoptosis of endothelial cells contributes to lumen formation during angiogenesis, but the biological mechanism remains obscure. In this study, we investigated the effect of nerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophin family and a potential angiogenic factor, on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) apoptosis and the formation of lumen-like structures (LLS) by cultured HUVEC on Matrigel. We demonstrate that NGF induces cell apoptosis. NGF treatment has no significant effect on the expression level of its two receptors, TrkA and p75NTR. Blockade of both TrkA and p75NTR, but not that of either receptor alone significantly decreases NGF-induced cell apoptosis. NGF significantly increases formation of LLS which consist substantially of apoptotic cells. Application of NGF-neutralizing antibody or simultaneous blockade of TrkA and p75NTR significantly blocks spontaneous and NGF-induced LLS formation. These data support a role for NGF-induced cell apoptosis in LLS formation in vitro.
Han
Yaling
Y
Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Cardiology, Shenyang Northern Hospital, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China.
Qi
Yanmei
Y
Kang
Jian
J
Li
Na
N
Tian
Xiaoxiang
X
Yan
Chenghui
C
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D020800:Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D020917:Receptor, trkA / Q000378:metabolism*; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure
D020800:Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor; D020917:Receptor, trkA