Restricted expression pattern of vegf-d in the adult and fetal mouse: Highexpression in the embryonic lung

Endothelial growth factors have become the target of intense research since the initial discovery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF/VPF). At present, VEGF is established as a major inducer of angiogenesis in normal and pathological conditions. Recently several new members in the VEGF famil y have been described; VEGF-B/VRF, VEGF-C and VEGF-D. VEGF-D is most closel y related to VEGF-C by virtue of the presence of N- and C-terminal extensio ns that are not found in other VEGF family members. We have here examined t he expression pattern of vegf-d mRNA with in situ hybridization in developi ng and adult mice. This shows a restricted expression pattern, with high le vels mainly in lung tissue. The expression in embryonic lung is upregulated prior to birth. Expression of vegf-d in other tissues, as well as in lung tissue of the E14 embryo, was either low or absent. This suggests that VEGF -D may be of special relevance for the vascularization of lung tissue durin g the last trimester of fetal development. (C) 1999 Academic Press.