Angiogenic synergism, vascular stability and improvement of hind-limb ischemia by a combination of PDGF-BB and FGF-2

Nat Med. 2003 May;9(5):604-13. doi: 10.1038/nm848. Epub 2003 Mar 31.

Abstract

The establishment of functional and stable vascular networks is essential for angiogenic therapy. Here we report that a combination of two angiogenic factors, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, synergistically induces vascular networks, which remain stable for more than a year even after depletion of angiogenic factors. In both rat and rabbit ischemic hind limb models, PDGF-BB and FGF-2 together markedly stimulated collateral arteriogenesis after ligation of the femoral artery, with a significant increase in vascularization and improvement in paw blood flow. A possible mechanism of angiogenic synergism between PDGF-BB and FGF-2 involves upregulation of the expression of PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-alpha and PDGFR-beta by FGF-2 in newly formed blood vessels. Our data show that a specific combination of angiogenic factors establishes functional and stable vascular networks, and provides guidance for the ongoing clinical trials of angiogenic factors for the treatment of ischemic diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Becaplermin
  • Blood Vessels / drug effects*
  • Collateral Circulation / drug effects
  • Drug Synergism
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / pharmacology*
  • Hindlimb / blood supply*
  • Ischemia / drug therapy*
  • Mice
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / drug effects
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / pharmacology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Becaplermin
  • Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor