Bone marrow transplantation abolishes inhibition of arteriogenesis in placenta growth factor (PlGF) –/– mice

We studied the influence of placenta growth factor (PlGF) on arteriogenesis and tested the role of bone marrow (BM)-derived cells on PlGF-depleted vascular growth. Methods. – Right femoral artery was occluded in wild type (+/+), PlGF k.o. (–/–) and (–/–) mice receiving BM from (+/+) mice (–/– BM). Blood supply in paws was assessed by laser-Doppler imaging (LDI) measurements before, immediately after, as well as 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after surgery. Seven and 28 days after occlusion, hindlimbs were perfusion fixed and filled with contrast medium. Angiograms were evaluated, collateral arteries were analysed histologically and morphometrically. Results. – Seven days after occlusion the blood flow and collateral growth in (–/–) were delayed in comparison to the (+/+) group. BM transplantation from +/+ donors prevented this delay. After 3 weeks the (–/–) mice reached values similar to the +/+ control. Conclusion. – PlGF is an important promoter of arteriogenesis. BM transplantation abolishes inhibition of arteriogenesis in PlGF –/– mice.