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.