Genetic heterogeneity of angiogenesis in mice

Many diseases, including cancer, are dependent on the growth of new blood v essels, a process known as angiogenesis, Differences in an individual's abi lity to grow new blood vessels may influence the rate of progression of the se diseases. Here we show that different strains of inbred mice have an sim ilar to 10-fold range of response to growth factor-stimulated angiogenesis in the corneal micropocket assay. The in vitro migratory activity of endoth elial cells from aortic rings of selected strains correlated with the in vi vo responsiveness. Further, a differential sensitivity to angiogenesis inhi bitors was seen between strains, with one strain demonstrating resistance t o both TNP-470 and thalidomide. These results suggest the presence of genet ic factors that control individual angiogenic potential.