Quantification of angiogenesis in liver tumor of rabbit model by CT perfusion imaging

Objective To study the relationship of CT perfusion parameters with microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rabbit VX2 liver tumor. Methods Sixteen rabbit-models underwent CT perfusion, and the perfusion parameters were analyzed. The enhanced border of tumors were stained immunohistochemically with VEGF and CD34, MVD was shown by anti-CD34. The correlation of perfusion parameters with MVD and VEGF were analyzed. Results The positive expressions were different significantly in center and border of the tumor (P0.01). There was significant correlation between MVD and VEGF in the border of the tumor, the more VEGF expressed, the more MVD increased. The correlation analysis were done between perfusion parameters and MVD, VEGF in the border of the tumor. Positive relations were shown between the value of HBF, PS, HAI, HAP and MVD, VEGF, and negative relations were shown between HPP and MVD, VEGF, but no relations between the value of MTT, HBV and MVD, VEGF. Conclusion There was significant correlation between perfusion parameters and MVD, VEGF. The perfusion parameters can be used to evaluate tumor angiogenesis in vivo.