VEGF expression and the effect of NSAIDs on ascites cell proliferation in the hen model of ovarian cancer.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to determine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the proliferation of cells isolated from ascites in the hen model of ovarian cancer.


METHODS
Ovarian tumor and normal ovary were collected from hens and ascites cells were isolated from hens with ovarian cancer. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to quantify mRNA expression. Immunohistochemical and/or Western blot analyses were used to localize protein expression in ovarian tumors, normal ovaries, and ascites cells. Cells were treated with a nonspecific, COX-1-specific, or COX-2-specific NSAID and proliferation was determined.


RESULTS
VEGF mRNA was increased in ascites cells and there was a trend for a correlation between VEGF mRNA in ascites cells and ascites volume. VEGF protein was localized to theca cells of normal ovaries, in glandular areas of tumors, and to the cytoplasm of ascites cells. Aspirin and a COX-1-specific inhibitor decreased the proliferation of ascites cells, whereas a COX-2-specific inhibitor did not.


CONCLUSIONS
VEGF may play a role in ovarian cancer progression in the hen and the proliferation of ascites cells can be decreased by targeting the COX-1 but not COX-2 pathway.
Urick
M E
ME
Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Giles
J R
JR
Johnson
P A
PA
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001201:Ascites / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D001241:Aspirin / Q000494:pharmacology; D048708:Cell Growth Processes / Q000187:drug effects; D002645:Chickens; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D009578:Nitrobenzenes / Q000494:pharmacology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000494:pharmacology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D009578:Nitrobenzenes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013449:Sulfonamides; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C080955:N-(2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl)methanesulfonamide; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D015232:Dinoprostone; D001241:Aspirin