Suppression of acidic fibroblast growth factor-dependent angiogenesis by the antigrowth activity of 1,3,6-naphthalenetrisulfonate

Growth factor-induced angiogenesis was studied using subcutaneously implanted gelatin sponges loaded with 10 mg ml(-1) of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) in 20 mu g ml(-1) PBS heparin. The administration of 1,3,6-naphthalenetrisulfonate (NTS) directly into the sponge 120 mg ml(-1)) or intraperitoneally (200 mg kg(-1)) blocks invasion of the sponge by vasculature. Since angiogenesis is essential for tumor progression, the findings of the present study that NTS is an efficient inhibitor of neovascularization warrant further investigation of the potential clinical utility of this angiostatic agent for treating tumor growth and metastasis.