Objective To investigate whether nerve growth factor (NGF) can enhance angiogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and the possible mechanism.

Methods MSCs were seeded into matrigel-coated 24-well plates, and cultured with NGF at different concentrations (0 ng/ml, 25 ng/ml, 50 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml, 200 ng/ml) for 24 h, the tube formation of MSCs was observed and photographed using an inverted microscope. K-252a, the specific inhibitor of NGF receptor TrkA, was used to inhibit the tube formation promoted by NGF. Western Blot was applied to compare the VEGF expression between different groups.

Results NGF can promote MSCs tube formation in vitro, which was peaked at the concentration of 50ng/ml with its tubular lengths 2.24-fold increased (p<0.05), and was attenuated by K-252a. There was no significant difference of the VEGF expression between NGF treated and control group.

Conclusion NGF enhanced the ability of MSCs angiogenesis in vitro, and TrkA signal pathway may be involved.