Objectives: Several observations reported earlier indicated that the selectins, in particular E-selectin, might be involved in angiogenesis; however, mice deficient in the endothelial selectins develop normally. To clarify the role of endothelial selectins in angiogenesis, we have studied experimentally induced angiogenesis in selectin-deficient mice.
Methods: Hydron pellets containing either basic fibroblast growth factor or the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha were implanted into the corneas of wild-type and P- and/or E-selectin-deficient mice.
Results: The lengths and circumferential range of the newly formed blood vessels in the corneas of the endothelial selectin-deficient mice were similar to those of wild-type mice.
Conclusion: The endothelial selectins are not essential in experimentally induced angiogenesis in vivo.