Primo Vessel Inside a Lymph Vessel Emerging From a Cancer Tissue

Primo vessels were observed inside the lymph vessels near the caudal vena cava of a rabbit and a rat and in the thoracic lymph duct of a mouse. In the current work we found a primo vessel inside the lymph vessel that came out from the tumor tissue of a mouse. A cancer model of a nude mouse was made with human lung cancer cell line NCI-H460. We injected fluorescent nanoparticles into the xenografted tumor tissue and studied their flow in blood, lymph, and primo vessels. Fluorescent nanoparticles flowed through the blood vessels quickly in few minutes, and but slowly in the lymph vessels. The bright fluorescent signals of nanoparticles disappeared within one hour in the blood vessels but remained much longer up to several hours in the case of lymph vessels. We found an exceptional case of lymph vessels that remained bright with fluorescence up to 24 hours. After detailed examination we found that the bright fluorescence was due to a putative primo vessel inside the lymph vessel. This rare observation is consistent with Bong-Han Kim’s claim on the presence of a primo vascular system in lymph vessels. It provides a significant suggestion on the cancer metastasis through primo vessels and lymph vessels.     

Primo Bundles Identified by Microcomputed Tomography in Primo Vascular Tissue on the Surface of Rat Abdominal Organs

BackgroundThe primo vascular system (PVS) is a novel network composed of primo nodes (PNs) and primo vessels (PVs). Currently, its anatomy is not fully understood.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to elucidate the three-dimensional PN–PV structure.MethodsOrgan-surface PVS tissue was isolated from healthy and anemic rats. The tissues were analyzed by X-ray microcomputed tomography (CT), hematoxylin and eosin staining, and scanning electron microscopy.ResultsFrom CT images, we identified one or more bundles in a PV. In the PN, the bundles were enlarged and existed in isolation and/or in anastomosis. The transverse CT images revealed four areas of distinct intensities: zero, low, intermediate, and high. The first two were considered to be the sinuses and the subvessels of the PVS and were identified in the hematoxylin and eosin–stained PN sections. The enlargement of the PN from anemic rats was associated with an increase in the intermediate-intensity area. The high-intensity area demarcated the bundle and was overlapped with the mesothelial cells. In scanning electron microscopy, the PV bundles branched out, tapering down to a single bundle at some distance from the PN. Each bundle was composed of several subvessels (∼5 μm). Clustered round microcells (1–25 μm), scattered flat oval cells (∼15 μm), and amorphous extracellular matrix were observed on the surface of the PVS tissue.ConclusionsThe results newly showed that the primo bundle is a structural unit of both PVs and PNs. A bundle was demarcated by high CT intensity and mesothelial cells and consisted of multiple subvessels. The PN bundles contained also sinuses.     

Putative Primo-Vascular System in Rabbit Placenta

The primo vascular system (PVS) is a very important topic of study nowadays because of their role in transport and regeneration of tissue and in cell migration and cancer metastasis. The PVS was detected in different organs of the rabbit but not in the placenta. In this work, we observe the PVS inside the blood vessels of the placenta for the first time. The main characteristic features of the primo vessels (PVs) from the rabbit placenta were in agreement with the PVS in different organs of animals, including the rod-shaped nuclei and their arrangement.     

Visualization of the Primo Vascular System Afloat in a Lymph Duct

Because of the potential roles of the primo vascular system (PVS) in cancer metastasis, immune function, and regeneration, understanding the molecular biology of the PVS is desirable. The current state of PVS research is comparable to that of lymph research prior to the advent of Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1). There is very little knowledge of the molecular biology of the PVS due to difficulties in identifying and isolating primo endothelial cells. Present investigations rely on the morphology and the use of differential staining procedures to identify the PVS within tissues, making detailed molecular studies all but impossible. To overcome such difficulties, one may emulate the explosive development of lymph molecular biology. For this purpose, there is a need for a reliable method to obtain PVS specimens to initiate the molecular investigation. One of the most reliable methods is to detect the primo vessels and primo nodes afloat in the lymph flow. The protocols for observation of the PVS in the large lymph ducts in the abdominal cavity and the thoracic cavity were reported earlier. These methods require a laparectomy and skillful techniques. In this work, we present a protocol to identify and harvest PVS specimens from the lymph ducts connecting the inguinal and the axillary nodes, which are located entirely in the skin. Thus, the PVS specimen is more easily obtainable. This method is a stepping-stone toward development of a system to monitor migration of cancer cells in metastasis from a breast tumor to the axillary nodes, where cancer cells use the PVS as a survival rope in hostile lymph flow.     

Mesothelial Cells Covering the Surface of Primo Vascular System Tissue

The primo vascular system (PVS) is reported to have a periductium composed of cells with spherical or spindle-shaped nuclei and abundant cytoplasm. However, little is known about these periductium cells. In this study, we examined the morphological features of cells covering the PVS tissue isolated from the surface of abdominal organs of rats. By hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, we observed a layer of dark nuclei on the basement membrane at the borders of the sections of primo node (PN), primo vessel (PV), and their subunits. The nuclei appeared thin and linear (10-14 μm), elliptical (8-10 × 3-4 μm), and round (5-7 μm). The borders of the PVS tissue sections were immunostained with a selective antibody for mesothelial cells (MCs). Areas of immunoreactivity overlapped with the flattened cells are shown by hematoxylin and eosin staining. By scanning electron microscopy, we further identified elliptical (11 × 21 μm) and rectangular squamous MCs (length, 10 μm). There were numerous stomata (∼200 nm) and microparticles (20-200 nm) on the surface of the PVS MCs. In conclusion, this study presents the novel finding that the PVS periductium is composed of squamous MCs. These cells tightly line the luminal surface of the PVS tissue, including PNs, PVs, and small branches of the PVs in the abdominal cavity. These results will help us to understand the physiological roles such as hyaluronan secretion and the fine structure of PVS tissue.     

Production and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies Against Primo Vascular System of Rat

BackgroundThe primo vascular system (PVS) has been difficult to detect due to its small diameter and translucent features of the threadlike network. Thus, contrast-enhancing dyes including Alcian blue, Trypan blue and Janus green B had to be used for finding and taking out PVS from rat and mouse.ObjectiveGeneration of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against PVS of rat was intended to use as a detector for PVS and a biological tool for functional study of PVS.Materials and methodsPrimo vessel (PV) and Primo node (PN) were isolated from organ surfaces of rat and then their proteins were isolated and injected into mouse as an immunogen. The classical traditional method was applied for production of mAbs against PVS. The various techniques, such as cell fusion, screening of hybridoma, ELISA, Western blotting (WB), immunofluorescence microscopy (IF), and limiting dilution, were used to generate mAbs against PVS.ResultsAmong 16 mAbs generated, 4 representative mAbs were characterized with their specificities in ELISA, WB, and IF. α-rPVS-m1-1 and α-rPVS-m4-6 had strong binding affinities to PVS in both ELISA and WB but did not show specificities in IF at all. On the contrary, α-rPVS-m3-2 and α-rPVS-m3-4 almost did not respond in WB but had strong binding affinities in ELISA and specificities in IF. Two mAbs stained predominantly at extra cellular matrix and cell membrane of PVS of rat in IF, and they were able to discriminate PVS from blood vessel (BV) and lymphatic vessel (LV).Conclusions4 representative mAbs against PVS of rat were characterized by ELISA, WB, and IF. α-rPVS-m3-2 and α-rPVS-m3-4, which had strong specificities in IF, can be used as a tool in discriminating PVS from other similar tissues and in elucidate biological function of PVS.     

Isolation and Morphological Features of Primo Vessels in Rabbit Lymph Vessels

Until now, even though intensive research has been dedicated to the primo vascular system (PVS) during these years, no statistical data on primo vessels and primo vessels in lymph flow have been available. Recently, the general morphological features of primo vessels in lymph vessels around the abdominal aorta were identified from microdissections of tissues from New Zealand White rabbits, and with Alcian blue staining, primo vessels in lymphatic vessels could be definitely identified under a digital microscope. The micro-dissected specimens in situ reveal rod-shaped nuclei stained by Acridine orange. The blue-stained nuclei, which were distributed in a broken-lined stripe, formed a tube structure of about 20 μm in diameter. The distance between the nuclei of two cells on neighboring aligned stripes, which is also the diameter of the micro tube, was measured to be about 5～10μm. The average length of the primo vessels was 2.4 mm, with the longest being 5.6 mm. The average size of the primo vessel was 50 μm, and the average diameters of the primo and the lymph vessels were 26.0 μm and 258.5 μm, respectively. Occasionally, without the use of Alcian blue staining, milk-white transparent primo vessels were observed floating in lymph vessels. Thus, we suggest that the PVS might also have an important function connected with the lymph system. We also expect the traditional Korean meridian system to leave its invisible world during the last thousands of years and soon enter the visible scientific world.     

Primo Vascular System in Human Umbilical Cord and Placenta

The primo vascular system (PVS) has been observed in various animals such as mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, swine, and cow, but not in humans. In this work, we report on the observation of a human PVS on both the epithelial fascia and inside the blood vessels of the umbilical cord (UC). The main morphological characteristics of the primo vessels (PVs) and primo nodes (PNs) from the human UC were in agreement with those of the PVS in various animal organs, including the thicknesses and the transparency of the PVs, the sizes of the PNs, the broken-line arrangement of the rod-shaped nuclei, the sparse distribution of nuclei, and the presence of hollow lumens in the central inner parts of the PNs. It was rather surprising that the human PV was not thicker than the PVs from small animals. The difference between the PVS and blood/lymph vessels was confirmed using immunofluorescence staining of von Willebrand factor, CD31, LYVE-1, and D2-40. The positive expression of the PVS to proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a cell-proliferation marker, was consistent with the recent finding of very small embryonic-like stem cells in the PVS of mice.     

Protocol for the Observation of the Primo Vascular System in the Lymph Vessels of Rabbits

Molecular-level understanding of the structure and the functions of the lymphatic system has greatly enhanced the importance of this second circulation system, especially in connection with cancer metastasis and inflammation. Recently, a third circulatory system, the primo vascular system (PVS) was found in various parts of an animal's body, especially as threadlike structures floating in the lymphatic flow in lymph vessels. Although the medical significance of this emerging system will require much work in the future, at present, several important suggestions in connection with immune cells, stem cells, and cancer metastasis have already appeared. Experiments to observe the PVS in the lymph vessels near the caudal vena cava of rabbits and rats have been performed by several independent teams, but reproduction requires considerable skill and technical know-how. In this article, we provide a detailed protocol to detect the PVS inside the lymph vessels of a rabbit. Detection and isolation are the first steps in unraveling the physiological functions of the PVS, which awaits intensive research.     

清燥救肺汤对肺癌磷酸戊糖能量代谢途径的关键酶G6PD活性及其调控因子的影响

目的:观察清燥救肺汤对肺癌磷酸戊糖能量代谢途径6-磷酸葡萄糖脱氢酶(G6PD)活性及其调控因子的影响,探讨其机制。方法:50只雄性C57BL6J小鼠,通过随机分组,分为模型组、环磷酰胺组、清燥救肺汤高、中、低剂量组,每组10只。右腋下注射Lewis肺癌细胞建立肺癌荷瘤模型,清燥救肺汤高、中、低剂量组分别以11,5.5,2.8 g·kg^-1·d^-1造模前2周开始灌胃给药,环磷酰胺组以50 mg·kg^-1·(2 d)-1腹腔注射给药,模型组以等体积生理盐水灌胃给药,接种后继续给药2周后处死各组小鼠并取瘤组织,酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)检测G6PD活性及小鼠活性氧(ROS)含量;实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(Real-time PCR)检测癌组织中还原型烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸磷酸(NADPH)氧化酶亚基单位gp91phox和p22phox mRNA的表达。结果:与模型组比较,清燥救肺汤高、中、低剂量组及环磷酰胺组G6PD活性明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01);清燥救肺汤高、中、低剂量组及环磷酰胺组ROS含量,NADPH氧化酶亚基单位gp91phox,p22phox mRNA表达显著降低(P<0.01)。结论:清燥救肺汤可能通过抑制NADPH氧化酶表达,减少ROS含量,抑制G6PD的表达,发挥抑制肺癌细胞能量代谢及细胞增殖的功效。     

南蛇藤提取物对人胃癌SGC-7901细胞蛋白组学的影响

目的:探讨南蛇藤提取物(Celastrus orbiculatus extract,COE)在人胃癌细胞中的可能作用靶点。方法:采用细胞活力实验检测COE对细胞生长增殖的抑制作用,计算COE的半数抑制浓度(50%concentration of inhibition,IC50)。蛋白质组学技术寻找COE作用前后的差异表达蛋白;并通过蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)对部分蛋白进行验证。结果:COE能够抑制SGC-7901细胞的增殖,呈一定的浓度及时间依赖性;其24 h的IC50为70.14 mg·L~(-1)。COE(70 mg·L~(-1))作用SGC-7901细胞24 h后,与空白组比较有9个蛋白质点发生下调,4个蛋白质点发生上调;这些蛋白可能是COE在胃癌细胞中的作用靶点。Western blot验证了COE对热休克蛋白27(heat shock protein 27,HSP27),抗增殖蛋白(prohibitin),丝切蛋白(cofilin-1),膜联蛋白A5(annexin A5)表达的影响,与蛋白质组学结果相一致。结论:COE对胃癌细胞具有显著的抑制作用,筛选出的差异表达蛋白为COE的抗肿瘤机制研究提供新的依据。     

Study of the primo vascular system utilizing a melanoma tumor model in a green fluorescence protein expressing mouse

A melanoma tumor is a representative malignant tumor. Melanoma tumor growth involves vigorous angiogenesis around the tumor and a vasculogenic-like network inside an aggressive tumor. Primo vessels (PVs) are also found on the surface of the tumor and coexist alongside blood vessels (BVs), and sometimes within the BVs. We hypothesized that the primo vessels system plays a significant role in regulating the development of a melanoma tumor, and therefore has a tight coupling with BVs and angiogenesis. To prove this hypothesis, we developed a murine melanoma model by inoculating melanoma cell lines into the abdominal region. We used a green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressing mouse as a host to distinguish the endogenous source of the tumor PVs. We found strong formation of PVs on the tumor that coexisted with BVs and expression of GFP. PVs also had a tight coupling with adipose tissues, especially with white adipose tissue. These data suggest that the PVs of an induced melanoma tumor evolve endogenously from the host body and may be highly related to BVs and adipose tissue. This model of PVs in an overexpressing GFP mouse is a useful system for observing PVs, primo nodes, and primo vessel networks, and has potential to be developed as a model for examining novel treatments for cancer metastasis.     

蝙蝠葛酚性碱对胰腺癌细胞株BXPC－3移植瘤K—ras mRNA表达的影响

目的：探讨蝙蝠葛酚性碱（PAMD）抗胰腺癌作用靶点。方法：右腋皮下接种胰腺癌（BXPC－3）肿瘤细胞,经腹腔注射PAMD,连续用药21天,采用荧光定量PCR（Real—time PCR）技术检测肿瘤k-ras mRNA表达的情况。结果：PAMD高、中、低剂量均能下调BXPC－3荷瘤小鼠瘤组织中K—ras mRNA表达量,与模型对照组比较,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论：说明PAMD对BXPC－3荷瘤小鼠具有明显的抑瘤作用。     

黔产莪术油对人直肠癌细胞血管生成因子表达的影响

目的:通过黔产莪术油对人直肠癌SW1463细胞血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)和趋化因子(chemokine,CXC)蛋白表达的影响,探讨莪术挥发油对肿瘤血管生成的作用机制。方法:将经水蒸气蒸馏提取的黔产莪术挥发油,配制成80,120,160,200 mg·L-1不同质量浓度,干预直肠癌SW1463细胞24 h后,倒置显微镜下观察不同浓度莪术油对直肠癌SW1463细胞的形态学影响;采用免疫细胞化学和蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测直肠癌SW1463细胞中VEGF,白细胞介素-8(IL-8)和CXC趋化因子受体2(CXCR2),CXC趋化因子受体3(CXCR3)蛋白的表达。结果:经莪术油处理直肠癌SW1463细胞24 h后,与空白组比较,莪术挥发油组细胞中VEGF,IL-8,CXCR2蛋白表达量明显下调(P0.05,P0.01),莪术油能抑制肿瘤细胞中VEGF,IL-8,CXCR2蛋白的表达;莪术挥发油组细胞中CXCR3蛋白表达量明显上调(P0.05,P0.01),莪术油能促进肿瘤细胞CXCR3蛋白的表达。结论:黔产莪术油可能通过下调促血管生成相关因子的表达,上调抑制性血管生成相关趋化因子的表达,从而抑制肿瘤血管生成,起到抑制肿瘤细胞的增殖作用。     

辣椒碱对乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞裸鼠移植瘤生长的抑制作用

目的：观察辣椒碱对乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞裸鼠移植瘤生长的抑制作用及其机制。方法：通过皮下注射MDA-MB-231细胞的方法建立乳腺癌裸鼠移植瘤模型,待肿瘤体积达到约100 mm³,将裸鼠随机分为模型组和辣椒碱低、中、高剂量（5,10,20 mg·kg^-1）组,每组5只。辣椒碱低、中、高剂量（5,10,20 mg·kg^-1）组裸鼠分别腹腔注射相应剂量的辣椒碱,模型组注射等体积的磷酸缓冲盐溶液（PBS）溶剂,3 d/次,连续给药8次。每次给药前先检测裸鼠体质重和肿瘤体积,末次给药24 h后处死各组裸鼠,计算肿瘤体积,称肿瘤质量,并计算抑瘤率。应用免疫组化法和蛋白免疫印迹法（Western blot）检测辣椒碱治疗后各组肿瘤组织中高迁移率族蛋白B1（HMGB1）和Toll样受体4（TLR4）蛋白表达水平。结果：与模型组比较,辣椒碱低、中、高剂量（5,10,20 mg·kg^-1）组裸鼠体质量无明显变化,但肿瘤体积显著缩小（P<0.01）,肿瘤质量显著减小（P<0.01）,抑瘤率显著增大（P<0.01）,且呈剂量依赖性;与模型组比较,辣椒碱低、中、高剂量（5,10,20 mg·kg^-1）组肿瘤组织HMGB1和TLR4蛋白表达明显降低,且呈剂量依赖性。结论：辣椒碱对乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞裸鼠移植瘤生长具有明显的抑制作用,其机制可能与下调HMGB1和TLR4蛋白表达有关。     

百里醌抑制卵巢癌生长及其机制研究

目的研究百里醌对卵巢癌生长的影响及其作用机制。方法百里醌作用卵巢癌细胞株SKOV3后,CCK-8法检测细胞增殖;ELISA法检测细胞凋亡;荧光探针法检测细胞内活性氧(ROS)水平;Western blotting检测胞核蛋白Nrf2、胞浆蛋白Keap1、Akt、p-Akt、NQO1、GCLC的表达;实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)检测细胞中NQO1和GCLC mRNA水平。制备裸鼠卵巢癌皮下移植瘤模型,观察百里醌对肿瘤生长的影响;免疫组化检测肿瘤组织Nrf2、NQO1和GCLC的阳性表达。结果与对照组比较,百里醌明显抑制SKOV3细胞生长(P0.05、0.01),并诱导细胞凋亡(P0.01);升高细胞内ROS水平(P0.05);下调胞核Nrf2蛋白及胞浆p-Akt蛋白表达(P0.05),上调Keap1蛋白表达(P0.001);下调NQO1、GCLC的mRNA和蛋白表达(P0.05、0.01)。百里醌抑制裸鼠卵巢癌皮下移植瘤的生长(P0.01),降低肿瘤组织中Nrf2、NQO1、GCLC的阳性表达(P0.05、0.01)。结论百里醌抑制卵巢癌生长,其机制可能是抑制胞核Nrt2蛋白表达,促进癌细胞内ROS的产生,诱导细胞凋亡。     

中药复方脏毒清体外诱导人结肠癌SW480细胞凋亡的影响

目的:探讨中药复方脏毒清对人结肠癌SW480细胞的促凋亡作用及机制。方法:体外培养人结肠癌细胞株SW480,用不同质量浓度的脏毒清(0.05,0.10,0.15,0.20,0.25 g·m L-1)进行干预12,24,36,48 h后,采用MTT法检测细胞增殖抑制率。用不同质量浓度脏毒清(0.10,0.15,0.20 g·m L-1)作用SW480细胞24 h后,另设空白组,采用用荧光染色技术和流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率,分光光度法测定半胱天冬酶-3(Caspase-3),Caspase-9的酶活性,Western blot技术检测凋亡蛋白Bax,Bcl-2蛋白的表达情况。结果:MTT结果显示脏毒清对其有明显的增殖抑制作用,并呈现时间和剂量依赖性;与空白组比较,脏毒清0.10,0.15,0.20 g·m L-1组能明显诱导SW480细胞凋亡,Caspase-3及Caspase-9酶活性明显升高,促凋亡蛋白Bax表达明显升高,抗凋亡蛋白Bal-2表达明显降低,均具有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论:脏毒清具有促进人结肠癌SW480细胞凋亡的作用,并通过线粒体凋亡途径发挥作用。     

Bonghan Ducts as Possible Pathways for Cancer Metastasis

ObjectiveThe present study has been designed to find a possible new route for the metastasis of cancer cells on the fascia surrounding tumor tissue using a novel technique of trypan blue staining.Materials and MethodsTumor tissues were grown in the skin of nude mice after sub-cutaneous inoculation with human lung cancer cells. Trypan blue was recently identified as a dye with specificity for Bonghan ducts (BHDs) and not other tissues, such as blood or lymph vessels or nerves.ResultsWe demonstrate that the trypan blue staining technique allows the first visualization of BHDs which are connected to tumor tissues.ConclusionSince BHDs are known to make up a circulatory system corresponding to acu puncture meridians or collaterals, we propose that, in addition to the currently known blood or lymph vessels, BHDs on tumor tissue fascia may be a novel pathway for metastasis.     

TLR9抑制剂对胃癌细胞MGC803分泌IL-6的作用

目的:探讨免疫系统蛋白TLR9在胃癌细胞MGC803中的表达及其抑制剂氯喹(chloroquine,CQ)作用胃癌细胞MGC803不同时间段对其分泌白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的影响。方法:应用免疫荧光染色的方法检测胃癌MGC803细胞中TLR9的表达;运用CCK-8法检测CQ作用细胞24,48,72 h后,观察药物对细胞活性的影响;ELISA方法检测不同浓度CQ作用MGC803细胞不同时间点后,细胞上清液中IL-6的活性水平。结果:免疫荧光染色方法显示胃癌MGC803细胞上有TLR9的表达;CCK-8法检测不同浓度的抑制剂作用细胞3个时间段后对细胞的生长均具抑制作用,差异有显著性(P<0.05);ELISA结果表明,200 mg.L-1CQ作用细胞24,48,72 h后均可抑制IL-6的表达,而50,100 mg.L-1的CQ仅在作用细胞72 h后抑制IL-6的表达,且差异具显著性(P<0.05)。结论:胃癌细胞系MGC803表达有TLR9;TLR9抑制剂CQ可抑制IL-6的表达。