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PR07
A SYSTEM FOR QUANTIFYING LYMPHATIC VESSEL ABNORMALITIES IN LYMPHEDEMA MODELS, AND LOCO‐SYSTEMIC EFFECTS OF PRO‐LYMPHATIC TUMOR GROWTH FACTORS
Author(s) -
Shayan R.,
Karnesis T.,
Paavonen K.,
Achen M. G.,
Taylor G. I.,
Stacker S. A.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2007.04127_7.x
Subject(s) - lymphatic system , lymphedema , lymphangiogenesis , medicine , lymphatic vessel , pathology , lymph , lymph node , interstitial fluid , lymphatic disease , metastasis , cancer , breast cancer
Purpose Lymphatic vessels are critical in interstitial fluid balance, and congenital or acquired derangements lead to accumulation of lymph fluid (lymphedema). Further, when induced by pro‐lymphatic growth factors in tumors, they facilitate lymph node metastasis(1). While histological vessel density is counted on tissue sections, there is no method for quantifying lymphatic morphology and patterning in 3‐D; key elements in fluid dynamics and cellular interactions that underlie lymphatic function and diseases resulting from alterations to them. We have developed a method to quantify important biological and functional parameters in lymphatics, to help distinguish subtle phenotypic differences and patterning defects. Methods Apical images were taken of whole‐mounted mouse ears that were immunofluorescently stained for the lymphatic marker LYVE‐1. Key lymphatic parameters were quantified using a computer program we developed. Results Mice with gross lymphedema were found to have significant derangements of many of the key morphological and patterning characteristics assessed. Subtle yet statistically significant lymphatic abnormalities were also identified in less obviously lymphedematous animals. We were also able to assess loco‐systemic effects of the pro‐lymphatic growth factors. Conclusions Increasing emphasis on lymphatics in disease demands quantification methods that assess key biological and functional parameters. Our method allows comparison and identification of abnormal lymphatic phenotypes and allows assessment of the effects induced by pro‐lymphatic growth factors.