Brucine, a plant derived alkaloid inhibits inflammatory angiogenesis in a murine sponge model

Our aim was to investigate the effects of brucine on key components of inflammatory angiogenesis in the murine cannulated sponge implant angiogenesis model. Polyester-polyurethane sponges, used as a framework for fibrovascular tissue growth, were implanted in Swiss albino mice and brucine (25 or 50 mg/kg/day) was given through installed cannulas for 9 days. The implants collected at day 9 postimplantation were processed for the assessment of hemoglobin (Hb). Relevant inflammatory, angiogenic and fibrogenic cytokines were also determined. Brucine treatment resulted in significant decrease in sponge vascularization (Hb content) and in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF-b1) at both doses. Further, brucine decreased expression of VEGF and CD-31 and reduced percentage of microvessel density (MVD) in sponge implants. A regulatory function of brucine on multiple parameters of main components of inflammatory angiogenesis has been revealed giving insight into the potential therapeutic underlying the actions of brucine.