The effect of angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 on the blood vessels of the lungs, kidneys and livers of treated hamsters

The growth of solid tumours and their metastases is dependent on the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Therefore angiogenesis inhibitors are potential antitumour drugs. In our previous studies it was found that the angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 given to transplantable melanoma-bearing hamsters can decrease the rate of the tumour growth, although the survival time of the animals treated was not significantly affected. It was found finally that TNP-470 given in the vicinity of the growing tumour can cause complete remission of the melanoma in hamsters treated in this way. To check what side-effects could be evoked by such treatment, an examination of the morphology of the blood vessels of the lungs, kidneys and livers of the treated animals was carried out. It was found that the angiogenesis inhibitor applied did not cause any changes which could be observed by light and electron microscopes in the structure of the examined blood vessels of the treated animals.