Van Steenkiste C, Geerts A, Vanheule E, Van Vlierberghe H, De Vos F, Olievier K, Casteleyn C, Laukens D, De Vos M, Stassen JM, Carmeliet P, Colle I. Role of placental growth factor in mesenteric neoangiogenesis in a mouse model of portal hypertension.
Gastroenterology 2009;
137:2112-24.e1-6. [PMID:
19751735 DOI:
10.1053/j.gastro.2009.08.068]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2009] [Revised: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 09/08/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
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 (alphaPlGF) in a mouse model of portal hypertension.
METHODS
Using a mouse model of prehepatic portal hypertension, we measured PlGF levels in the mesenteric tissue at different time points. We used knockout mice and alphaPlGF 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, alphaPlGF showed similar findings as in the knockout study. In mice with portal hypertension, administration of alphaPlGF 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.
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