Enhancement of angiogenesis by a 27 kDa lectin from perivitelline fluid of horseshoe crab embryos through upregulation of VEGF and its receptor.

Angiogenesis, the expansion of a capillary network, is implicated in several pathological conditions. Drug-based inhibition of angiogenesis is being explored as therapy. Conversely, therapeutic angiogenesis contributes to control conditions such as ischemia. Here we report pro-angiogenic activity of perivitelline fluid (PVF) from Indian horseshoe crab embryos and one of its purified fractions, a 27 kDa lectin, using the chick embryonic chorioallantoic membrane assay. Enhancement in number and diameter of blood vessels after treatment with PVF and lectin suggested their pro-angiogenic effect. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that this effect is mediated through modulation of expression of VEGF and VEGFR-2/kinase domain receptor genes.