Investigations on Angiogenic Potential of Ranitidine Using Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assay

Abstract

The uncontrolled growth of cells in body often results in metastasis of overgrown tissue into other parts of the body. This medical condition is known as cancer. Angiogenesis, formation of new blood vessels from the preexisting ones, plays an immense role in supporting development and progression of cancer by providing oxygen and nutrients to these abnormally dividing cells. Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chick embryos is a wellknown model system to study angiogenesis and for identification of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic molecules. Recently, Ranitidine, a commonly used antacid, has been banned in many countries due to its potential carcinogenic activity. Nitrosodimethylamine is thought to be the main contaminant and reason for this activity of Ranitidine. To our knowledge, this is the first report that evaluated the angiogenic potential of Ranitidine using chick embryo CAM model. Our preliminary observations demonstrate significant angiogenic activity of Ranitidine which may impart carcinogenic potential to it