Placenta Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A Have Differential, Cell-Type Specific Patterns of Expression in Vascular Cells

The angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placenta growth factor (PlGF) are respectively up- and downregulated by hypoxia. We aimed to study circulating levels of the above factors in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and to correlate their levels with the customized centiles of the infants. The study included 25 IUGR and 25 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) full-term, singleton infants and their mothers. Maternal (MS), fetal (UC), and neonatal day 1 (N1) and 4 (N4) blood was examined. MS and N1 PlGF, as well as UC VEGF levels correlated with the customized centiles of the infants (r=0.39,P=.007,r=0.34,P=.01, andr=−0.41,P=.004, resp). Furthermore, UC, N1, and N4 VEGF levels were higher in girls (r=0.36,P=.01,r=0.33,P=.02, andr=0.41,P=.005resp). In conclusion, positive and negative correlations of examined factors with the customized centiles of the infant could rely on placental function and intrauterine oxygen concentrations—both being usually lower in IUGR cases—while higher VEGF levels in girls should possibly be attributed to the stimulating action of estrogens.

Download Full-text

Mice overexpressing placenta growth factor exhibit increased vascularization and vessel permeability

Journal of Cell Science ◽

10.1242/jcs.115.12.2559 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 115 (12) ◽

pp. 2559-2567 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Teresa Odorisio ◽

Cataldo Schietroma ◽

M. Letizia Zaccaria ◽

Francesca Cianfarani ◽

Cecilia Tiveron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Adult Life ◽

Growth Factor Receptor ◽

Vascular Endothelial ◽

Placenta Growth Factor ◽

Vessel Permeability ◽

Exact Function ◽

Endothelial Growth Factor

Placenta growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, comprising at least five cytokines specifically involved in the regulation of vascular and/or lymphatic endothelium differentiation. Several lines of evidence indicate a role for PlGF in monocyte chemotaxis and in potentiating the activity of VEGF, but the exact function of this cytokine is not fully understood. To define the biological role of PlGF in vivo, we have produced a transgenic mouse model overexpressing this factor in the skin by using a keratin 14 promoter cassette. Our data indicate that PlGF has strong angiogenic properties in both fetal and adult life. PlGF overexpression results in a substantial increase in the number,branching and size of dermal blood vessels as well as in enhanced vascular permeability. Indeed, intradermally injected recombinant PlGF was able to induce vessel permeability in wild-type mice. The analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1/flt-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2/flk-1 indicates that the two receptors are induced in the skin endothelium of transgenic mice suggesting that both are involved in mediating the effect of overexpressed PlGF.

Download Full-text