Vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin in liver regeneration

Liver architecture remodeling following partial hepatectomy (PHx) involves the formation of a complex network of liver sinusoids through which the blo od flows. The present study examines the involvement of vascular endothelia l growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-1 (ang-1) during liver regeneration . Following PHx, VEGF and ang-1 mRNA levels increase, followed by gradual r eturn to baseline levels. RT-PCR analysis of VEGF mRNA reveals three isofor ms, VEGF120, VEGF164 and VEGF188. Of the three, VEGF188 is the predominant isoform, VEGF120 being the less abundant. Although VEGF mRNA fluctuates fol lowing PHx, the relative expression of each isoform remains the same throug hout the recovery process. The level of neuropilin-1, an accessory receptor of VEGF to main receptor corresponds with that of VEGF and ang-1. We have previously demonstrated the capacity of exogenous VEGF165 to stimulate live r cell proliferation following PHx. We now report similar effect using VEGF 121, further demonstrating the benefit of manipulating growth factors where such an intervention is required. (C) 2001 Academic Press.