Vascular endothelial growth factor-B-deficient mice display an atrial conduction defect

Citation
K. Aase et al., Vascular endothelial growth factor-B-deficient mice display an atrial conduction defect, CIRCULATION, 104(3), 2001, pp. 358-364
Citations number
33
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems","Cardiovascular & Hematology Research
Journal title
CIRCULATION
ISSN journal
00097322 → ACNP
Volume
104
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
358 - 364
Database
ISI
SICI code
0009-7322(20010717)104:3<358:VEGFMD>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
Background - Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptor s are essential regulators of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in both embry os and adults. One of the factors with a still unknown physiological functi on is VEGF-B, which is expressed in many tissues, including the heart. Methods and Results - Mice carrying a targeted deletion in the VEGF-B gene were developed. In VEGF-B animals, no gross abnormalities were observed in organs that normally show high expression of VEGF-B, such as the heart, mus cle, and kidney. Analysis of heart function by ECG showed that adult VEGF-B -/- mice have an atrial conduction abnormality characterized by a prolonged PQ interval. VEGF- or basic fibroblast growth factor-induced corneal angio genesis was similar in normal and VEGF-B-/- mice. Conclusions - VEGF-B seems to be required for normal heart function in adul t animals but is not required for proper development of the cardiovascular system either during development or for angiogenesis in adults.