Imaging tumor angiogenesis
J. Clin. Invest. Kristy Red-Horse, et al. 116:2585 doi:10.1172/JCI30058 [Go to this article.]

Figure 1
The effects of VEGF inhibition on the tumor vasculature are reversible. (A) Tumor growth stimulates angiogenesis, producing an abnormal vascular bed with disorganized branching and increased permeability. In many cases, this is due to increased VEGF production. (B) Antiangiogenic therapy that inhibits VEGF activity decreases tumor vascularity. Vascular regression often leaves behind a pericyte layer and empty basement membrane sleeves that can persist for up to 21 days. The pericytes were, however, observed to have reduced immunoreactivity to α–smooth muscle actin. (C) Cessation of anti-VEGF therapy following a 7-day treatment regimen results in rapid vascular regrowth. Vessel density returns to pretreatment levels within 7 days.