Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human gallbladder lesions.
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- Published online on: September 1, 1998 https://doi.org/10.3892/or.5.5.1065
- Pages: 1065-1074
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates angiogenesis in human gallbladder carcinomas. We examined the expression of VEGF in 131 gallbladder lesions by immunohistochemistry and in situ mRNA hybridization technique. VEGF immunoreactivity was detected in 100% (9/9) of hyperplasias, 75% (3/4) of adenomas and 91% (107/118) of carcinomas. In gallbladder carcinoma tissues, VEGF mRNA level directly correlated with its protein level. VEGF expression in the neoplasms significantly correlated with vascularization, but not prognostic parameters. These findings suggest that VEGF is commonly expressed in human gallbladder carcinomas and may contribute to neovascularization during carcinogenesis.