Expression of calcitonin receptor-like receptor in human vascular tumours.

BACKGROUND

Vascular tumours such as Kaposi's sarcoma and capillary haemangioma are characterised by abnormal vascularisation and proliferation of endothelial cells or neoplastic cells. Adrenomedullin, a potent vasodilative peptide, and its receptor, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), play an important part in angiogenesis.

AIM: To establish whether this system also plays a part in vascular diseases, showing abnormal proliferation such as vascular tumours.

METHODS

CRLR expression was investigated in several specimens of Kaposi's sarcoma and other vascular tumours, using immunohistochemical analysis with a previously described CRLR-specific polyclonal antibody and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Intense and specific CRLR-immunoreactive staining of neoplastic cells was observed in all specimens, which was of greater intensity than similar staining of adjacent normal endothelium.

CONCLUSIONS

CRLR is expressed in vascular tumours and, with adrenomedullin, may have a role in neoplastic vascular growth.