Abstract
In this study we evaluated angiogenic responses of the different members of the VEGF family in vivo using adenoviral gene transfer. Adenoviruses (1*109 plaque-forming units [pfu]) encoding for VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-CN C and VEGF-D N C (N C are proteolytically cleaved forms) were transferred locally to the periadventitial space of the rabbit carotid arteries using a collar technique that allows efficient local transfection of the periadventitial tissue.
Expression of the transfected VEGFs was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Seven days after the gene transfer maximum neovessel formation was observed in VEGF-A-, VEGF-D-, and VEGF-D N C-transfected arteries.
VEGF-C N C also showed angiogenic activity whereas VEGF-B was not effective in inducing angiogenesis. Pericytes were detected around the neovessels, which also frequently showed the presence of intraluminal erythrocytes.