Expression of Tissue Factor on the Endothelial Cells of Tumor Vessels and Tumor Cells in Experimental Mouse Model of Retinoblastoma

Abstract

Purpose: : To investigate the pattern of expression of tissue factor (TF) in experimental mouse model of retinoblastoma and its role in retinoblstoma.

Methods: : To establish the experimental mouse model of retinoblastoma, Y79, SNUOT-Rb1, and -Rb4 retinoblastoma cells were injected into the intravitreal cavity of nude mouse and enucleation was performed 4 weeks later. Immunohistochemistry for TF, CD34, AC133, Ki67, and nm23 and TUNEL staining were performed. The co-localization of TF with CD34, Ki67, nm23, and TUNEL staining were evaluated. Nude mouse retina was evaluated with the same manner as a control.

Results: : TF was expressed in the endothelial cells of tumor vessels and tumor cells. TF was specklely expressed in the endothelial cells, but diffusely in tumor cells. Interestingly, in tumor cells, TF was prominently expressed around tumor vessels. In the endothelial cells of tumor vessels, TF expression was in part merged with CD34 and AC133. In tumor cells, Ki67 was expressed around tumor vessels, which were largely co-localized with TF expression.

Conclusions: : Our data suggests that TF was expressed in tumor cells and endothelial cells of tumor vessels, which might be related with endothelial progenitor cells of tumor vessels and the proliferation of tumor cells in the experimental mouse model of retinoblastoma.

Keywords: retinoblastoma • immunohistochemistry • retina