Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B Acts as a Coronary Growth Factor in Transgenic Rats Without Inducing Angiogenesis, Vascular Leak, or Inflammation

Abstract

VEGF-B appears to be a coronary growth factor in rats but not in mice. The signals for the VEGF-B-induced cardiac hypertrophy are mediated at least in part via the endothelium. Because cardiomyocyte damage in myocardial ischemia begins in the subendocardial myocardium, the VEGF-B-induced increased arterial supply to this area could have therapeutic potential in ischemic heart disease.