The role of heparanase in lymph node metastatic dissemination: dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of Eb lymphoma in mice

Neoplasia. 2005 Mar;7(3):224-33. doi: 10.1593/neo.04433.

Abstract

Heparanase expression has been linked to increased tumor invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis and with poor prognosis. The aim of the study was to monitor the effect of heparanase expression on lymph node metastasis, in heparanase-overexpressing subcutaneous Eb mouse T-lymphoma tumors, and their draining lymph node. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using biotin-BSA-GdDTPA-FAM/ROX was applied for analysis of blood volume, vascular permeability, and interstitial convection, and for detection of very early stages of such metastatic dissemination. Eb tumors increased extravasation, interstitial convection, and lymphatic drain of the contrast material. Interstitial flow directions were mapped by showing radial outflow interrupted in some tumors by directional flow toward the popliteal lymph node. Heparanase expression significantly increased contrast enhancement of the popliteal lymph node but not of the primary tumor. Changes in MR contrast enhancement preceded the formation of pathologically detectable metastases, and were detectable when only a few enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-expressing Eb cells were found near and within the nodes. These results demonstrate very early, heparanase-dependent vascular changes in lymph nodes that were visible by MRI following administration of biotin-BSA-GdDTPA-FAM/ROX, and can be used for studying the initial stages of lymph node infiltration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biotin / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Contrast Media / pharmacology*
  • Gadolinium DTPA / pharmacology
  • Glucuronidase / biosynthesis
  • Glucuronidase / physiology*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphatic Metastasis*
  • Lymphoma / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Permeability
  • Time Factors
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Biotin
  • heparanase
  • Glucuronidase
  • Gadolinium DTPA