Study of angiogenesis induced by metastatic and non-metastatic liver cancer by corneal micropocket model in nude mice

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AIM To study the angiogenesis induced by liver cancer with different metastatic potentials using corneal micropocket model in nude mice.METHODS Corneal micropockets were created in nude mice. Tumor tissues and liver tissues were implanted into the corneal micropockets. Angiogenesis was observed using a digital camera under slit-lamp biomicroscope, and compared among different grafts and incision alone. Vascular responses were recorded in regard to the range, number and length of new blood vessels toward the grafts or incisions.RESULTS Vascular responses induced by tumor tissues were greater than those by incision alone and liver tissue grafts. LCI-D20 induced more intensive angiogenesis than LCI-D35.CONCLUSION Highly metastatic liver cancer LCI D20 was more angiogenic than low metastatic cancer LCI D35 and liver tissue. Micropocket was a useful model to study dynamic process of angiogenesis in vivo.