Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A transgenic mouse, Vegfr2-luc, in which a luciferase reporter (luc) is under control of the murine VEGFR2 promoter, can be used to track angiogenesis in vivo. The aim of this study is to identify the offspring of Vegfr2-luc transgenic mouse. METHODS: Luc was detected with PCR in genomic DNA of the new-born mouse. Luc expression in the offspring of Vegfr2-luc transgenic mouse was monitored with IVIS in vivo imaging system during post-natal development. Wound-healing models of Vegfr2-luc transgenic mouse offspring were established and the expression of luc was monitored during the wound-healing process. Luc activity and VEGFR2 mRNA expression in different organs were detected with luc Assay System and Real-time PCR respectively. RESULTS: PCR showed that 50% (56/112) of the offspring of Vegfr2-luc transgenic mouse carry luc. IVIS in vivo imaging results demonstrated that luc expression in Vegfr2-luc transgenic mouse dropped dramatically with age increase (P<0.001) and luc expression in the wound first increased and then decreased during the wound-healing process (P<0.001). Luc activity in female Vegfr2-luc transgenic mouse organs was positively correlated with VEGFR2 mRNA expression (r=0.948, P<0.001). Except testis, luc activity in male Vegfr2-luc transgenic mouse organs was also positively correlated with VEGFR2 mRNA expression (r=0.836, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The offspring of Vegfr2-luc transgenic mouse is applicable to tracking angiogenesis in vivo.