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Expression and Localization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Tissue
KOICHI WAUKE, MASAKAZU NAGASHIMA, TOSHIYUKI ISHIWATA, GORO ASANO, and SHINICHI YOSHINO
ABSTRACT. Methods. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis, immunohistochemical staining, and in situ hybridization for VEGF-C were performed on synovial tissue specimens obtained from 10 patients with RA and 4 with osteoarthritis (OA). VEGFR-3 expression was determined using Western blot analysis. Results. RT-PCR analysis showed that VEGF-C mRNA was expressed in all RA and OA synovial tissues. Based on Western blot analysis, the mature form of VEGF-C was found in RA synovial tissues, but not in OA synovial tissues, and VEGFR-3 was detected in RA and OA synovial tissues. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the VEGF-C protein was localized in many synovial lining cells, endothelial cells, and stromal cells in RA synovial tissues. In OA synovial tissues, the VEGF-C protein was localized in synovial lining cells and endothelial cells. A large number of synovial lining cells and stromal cells surrounding microvessels in RA synovial tissues expressed VEGF-C mRNA, as determined by in situ hybridization. Conclusion. Mature VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 expression may contribute to lymphangiogenesis in RA. (J Rheumatol 2002;29:34-38) Key Indexing Terms:
VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR-C
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