VEGF-Enhanced Proliferation under Hypoxia by an Autocrine Mechanism in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract

Hypoxia-induced proliferation of CASMCs is mediated through the expressions of VEGF and VEGFR-1 in an autocrine mechanism. Their expressions are dependent on the stabilization of HIF-1alpha, which is regulated by NPR. We suggest that hypoxia and hypoxia-induced VEGF expression are involved in the pathogenesis of progressive atherosclerosis.