Nerve growth factor induces angiogenic activity in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia

Recent studies suggest that nerve growth factor (NGF), a neurotrophic factor known to play a crucial role in neurite growth and differentiation, may also modulate vascular cell functions. In the present study, it was investigated whether NGF exhibits an angiogenic effect in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia induced by femoral artery occlusion. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay determination revealed an enhanced endogenous NGF production (378 +/- 100 and 54 +/- 26 pg/g tissue in 7 day ischemic and normoperfused adductor muscles, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, exogenous NGF, administered subcutaneously for 7 days in ischemic hindlimb, induced a marked increase of arteriole length density (NGF:= 41 +/- 5 vs. Saline = 22 +/- 4 mm/mm(3); p < 0.05). However, capillaries were not significantly increased (NGF = 1035 +/- 182 vs. Saline = 829 +/- 60 mm/mm(3); p > 0.05). In conclusion, the present study provides first evidence that NGF exerts angiogenic properties in vivo. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.