Adeno-Associated Viral Vector-Mediated Hypoxia-Inducible Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Expression Attenuates Ischemic Brain Injury After Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Mice

Abstract

Exogenous expression of VEGF through AAVH9-VEGF gene transfer 5 days before the onset of ischemia provides neuroprotection. Hypoxia-responsive element is a viable strategy of restricting VEGF expression to areas of ischemia to minimize adverse effects of therapy on adjacent normal parenchyma.