Catecholamines regulate tumor angiogenesis

Cancer Res. 2009 May 1;69(9):3727-30. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-08-4289. Epub 2009 Apr 21.

Abstract

Among the regulators of angiogenesis, catecholamine neurotransmitters are of recent interest because of their opposite roles in the regulation of tumor neovascularization. Norepinephrine and epinephrine by acting through specific adrenoceptors increase the synthesis of proangiogenic factors, and thereby, promote tumor growth. In contrast, dopamine acting via its specific D(2) receptors inhibits tumor growth by suppressing the actions of vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor-A on both tumor endothelial and bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells. These reports identify novel endogenous regulators of tumor angiogenesis and also indicate a new and an inexpensive class of antiangiogenic drugs for the treatment of cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Angiogenic Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Angiogenic Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Angiogenic Proteins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Catecholamines / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Angiogenic Proteins
  • Catecholamines