Transition of an androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cell line into an androgen-independent subline is associated with increased angiogenesis

Background Androgen‐independent prostate cancer is today an incurable disease, but increased understanding of the mechanisms for the transition into an androgen‐independent state may increase the possibilities for more efficient strategies in the future. Methods An androgen‐independent subline, LNCaP‐19, to the androgen‐dependent prostate cancer cell line LNCaP was developed in vitro under standard culture conditions. The characteristics of LNCaP‐19 regarding androgen responsiveness, PSA, and VEGF secretion was studied in vitro. The growth in vivo and the microvessel density (MVD) of the tumors were studied after inoculation in nude mice. Results LNCaP‐19 grows equally well in dextran‐charcoal stripped FBS (DCC‐FBS) as in normal FBS, and rapidly gives rise to tumors in both intact and castrated mice, indicating a true androgen‐independent growth. The PSA secretion from LNCaP‐19 cells was lower than from LNCaP cells, while the VEGF level was comparable to the secretion from LNCaP cells without androgen stimulation. The MVD was increased in the LNCaP‐19 tumors, and the vessels also displayed a changed morphology with exclusively small microvessels without lumen. Conclusions LNCaP‐19 shows characteristics resembling those of androgen‐independent prostate cancer. An increased MVD and changed vessel morphology in the tumor, makes it an interesting model system for studies regarding angiogenesis in the context of the acquisition of androgen independence. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.