Tumor Angiogenesis: Transfilter Diffusion Studies in the Hamster by the Transparent Chamber Technique2

Abstract

Transfilter inductive interaction between Fortner melanoma tissue and the hamster cheek-pouch stroma was studied in vivo by direct microscopy with the use of a transparent chamber technique. A vasoproliferative effect was consistently observed in the cheek-pouch stroma adjacent to the tumor transplant, despite separation of the two tissues by a filter that blocked the passage of whole cells. Although the possibility of cell membrane contact between the two components could not be completely excluded, the evidence strongly points to a humoral factor active in tumor angiogenesis. The methodology of the new technique, a form of tissue culture in vivo accessible to direct microscopy, is discussed.