Possible effects of vascular endothelial growth factor in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Induction by Prostaglandin E2 in Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells Is Mediated by E Prostanoid EP2/EP4 Receptors and SP-1 Transcription Factor Binding Sites

“…We confirmed our findings using both RT-PCR and either Western blotting or fluorescence-activated cell sorter for EP 2 and EP 4 , respectively, using antibodies designed for these methodologies. The fact that both mRNA and protein to EP 4 receptors was present suggests that these cells do indeed express EP 4 receptors. Furthermore, experiments with EP 2 and EP 4 receptor agonists mirrored the effect of PGE 2 on VEGF protein production and reporter activity, suggesting that both of these receptors are implicated in this process.…”

“…EP 2 and EP 4 Receptor Agonists Mimic the Effect of PGE 2 -Both EP 2 and EP 4 receptors, which positively couple to adenylyl cyclase, are present on HASMC as demonstrated by flow cytometry and a specific antibody to the EP 4 receptor (Fig. 7, A FIG.…”

“…Flow Cytometric Analysis of EP 4 Receptors-HASMC were detached using a sterile scraper, washed, and incubated with polyclonal rabbit anti-human EP 4 -R (Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, MI). The cells were washed twice and incubated with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated goat anti-rabbit secondary antibody (Sigma).…”

“…VEGF plays a critical role in physiological and pathological angiogenesis in most biological systems (2). VEGF is implicated in tumor neovascularization and in angiogenesis associated with a number of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis (3)(4)(5)(6)(7). VEGF is secreted by a variety of cell types, but not by endothelial cells themselves and mesenchymal cells serve as an important source of VEGF in a number of inflammatory and neoplastic processes (8).…”

Pulmonary vascular changes in asthma and COPD

“…Studies show different results regarding VEGF, in some cases VEGF may be protective and in others detrimental. COPD patients with chronic bronchitis had increased levels of VEGF in sputum, whereas COPD patients with more emphysema had low levels of VEGF [126] and also show decreased expression of VEGF receptors in pulmonary arteries [127], which indicate that also VEGF may have different roles depending on disease progression and disease severity. There exists an interesting link between VEGF and prostacyclin.…”