Tumor-induced neovascularization in the mouse eye.

Tumor fragments implanted in the mouse cornea induce a neovascular reaction characterized by the penetration of new blood vessels into the avascular cornea that ultimately reach the tumor to permit its further rapid growth. A method to achieve angiogenesis in the mouse cornea was studied, as well as the histologic and gross manifestations of the neovascular reaction and the effect of tumor cells or host irradiation on the observed angiogenic response. Sequential stages of tumor-induced neovascularization are described and documented for sarcoma 180- and C755 mammary adenocarcinoma-induced angiogenesis. A number of distinct processes of the angiogenesis response to tumors are discussed which suggest that several families of angiogenesis-inducing factors may mediate each of these processes. The importance of the development of a mouse model for the study of angiogenesis is stressed.