Role of Placental Growth Factor in Mesenteric Neoangiogenesis in a Mouse Model of Portal Hypertension

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Portal hypertension is responsible for the major complications associated with cirrhosis. Angiogenesis has been associated with the pathophysiology of portal hypertension. We investigated the role of placental growth factor (PlGF) and tested the effects of monoclonal antibodies against PlGF (alpha PlGF) in a mouse model of portal hypertension. METHODS: Using a mouse model of prehepatic portal hypertension, we measured PIGF levels in the mesenteric tissue at different time points. We used knockout mice and alpha PlGF to determine the role of PlGF in the splanchnic hyperdynamic system and portosystemic collateral formation, examining its effects before and after portal hypertension was induced. RESULTS: PlGF was significantly up-regulated in the mesenteric tissue of mice with portal hypertension. Compared with wild-type animals, the vascular density in the mesentery was reduced in PlGF knockout hypertensive mice, preventing collateral formation and attenuation of mesenteric artery flow without affecting portal pressure. In the prevention study, alpha PlGF showed similar findings as in the knockout study. in mice with portal hypertension, administration of alpha PlGF resulted in a 32% decrease in portal pressure, compared with mice given immunoglobulin G(1) (control). CONCLUSIONS: Pathologic angiogenesis in the mesenteric tissues of mice with portal hypertension is mediated by PlGF. Blocking PlGF could be an effective strategy for reducing collateral formation and lowering portal pressure; further research into the effects in cirrhosis is warranted.