In vivo effects of ODC overexpression on type XVIII collagen expression and neovascularization.

ODC-overexpressing transfectants and mock transfectants within a matrigel were injected subcutaneously into nude mice. Both transfectants formed tumors. (A) Total RNA was extracted from the transplanted cells; mRNA expression was then analyzed by RT-PCR. (B) Transplanted cells were homogenized and protein was extracted. Type XVIII collagen (COL XVIII) expression was analyzed by Western blotting by using a specific antiendostatin antibody. (C) Tumors were removed, fixed in formalin, and embedded in paraffin. Sections were then stained by using the hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry methods. Left and center panels show mock transplants and ODC transplants stained with the hematoxylin-eosin method, respectively. Right panel shows the endothelial cells in ODC transplants stained with anti-VWF antibody. Arrows indicate vessel in the tumor tissue. Original magnification for both HE, × 200; anti-VWF, × 400.