Reevaluation of the role of VEGF-B suggests a restricted role in the revascularization of the ischemic myocardium

Objective-The endogenous role of the VEGF family member vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) in pathological angiogenesis remains unclear. Methods and Results-We studied the role of VEGF-B in various models of pathological angiogenesis using mice lacking VEGF-B (VEGF-B-/-) or overexpressing VEGF-B-167. After occlusion of the left coronary artery, VEGF-B deficiency impaired vessel growth in the ischemic myocardium whereas, in wild-type mice, VEGF-B-167 overexpression enhanced revascularization of the infarct and ischemic border zone. By contrast, VEGF-B deficiency did not affect vessel growth in the wounded skin, hypoxic lung, ischemic retina, or ischemic limb. Moreover, VEGF-B-167 overexpression failed to enhance vascular growth in the skin or ischemic limb. Conclusion-VEGF-B appears to have a relatively restricted angiogenic activity in the ischemic heart. These insights might offer novel therapeutic opportunities.