ABSTRACT
Uterine leiomyomata present major problem for females. Although they are benign tumors their frequency is associated with many symptoms like infertility, abdominal pain, menorrhagia. Authors based on their own morphological studies and review of the literature try to indicate main factors causing angiogenesis within leiomyomata and its influence on tumor growth. The strongest proangiogenic factor seems to be hypoxia, which stimulates up- and down-regulation of numerous genetically determined substances. Also mechanical pressure acting upon newly growing vessels is one of the factors which may determine formation of so called "vascular pseudocapsule" around the lesion.
Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents/metabolism , Leiomyoma/blood supply , Myometrium/blood supply , Uterine Neoplasms/blood supply , Uterus/blood supply , Female , Humans , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Neovascularization, Pathologic , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors/metabolismABSTRACT
Angiogenesis is a process of development of new vessels from the preexisting vascular network of a host. This is process which is seen in many physiological situations but it accompanies also a development of different lesions, i.e. neoplasms. Uterine fibroids are one of the most frequent lesions which affect human internal female genital tracts. Authors briefly review most important pro-angiogenic factors, based on their own observation as well as reviewing current literature. They pay much attention to vascular density which is significantly changed in the uterine tumors.
Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents/metabolism , Leiomyoma/etiology , Myometrium/metabolism , Neovascularization, Pathologic , Uterine Neoplasms/etiology , Uterus/blood supply , Female , Humans , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors/metabolismABSTRACT
Corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy are currently best available technique which allows observation of microvascular bed of different anatomical structures and obtaining quasi 3-D pictures, necessary for reconstruction of microvessels. Application of synthetic resins, which fill practically the whole vascular bed enables profound analysis of such obtained specimens.
