Angiogenesis extent and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and-9 correlate with progression in human neuroblastoma

In human tumors changes in angiogenesis and expression of extracellular mat rix-degrading enzymes occur simultaneously during invasion and metastasis. Tissues from 20 biopsies of human neuroblastoma (NB) were investigated immu nohistochemically by using an antibody against factor VIII to determine the ir microvessel number, and by in situ hybridisation to determine the expres sion of mRNA of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9. The exten t of angiogenesis and the expression of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA were upreg ulated in advancing stages. These in situ data suggest that angiogenesis an d degradation of extracellular matrix occur simultaneously with NE tumor pr ogression. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.