279 Hypoxia-induced myocardial angiogenesis preserves myocardial function after infarction in mouse

Introduction: Hypoxia can stimulate capillary angiogenesis, but not arleriolar growth. Aim: to lest il hypoxia-induced capillary angiogenesis had beneficial ellecls alter myocardial inlarction(MI)in mice. Methods: MI was induced by coronary artery ligation in mice exposed to various times of hypoxia (1 and ,3 weeks) and functional (echocardiograpy)and descriptive data were collected 3 weeks post MI. Results: Hypoxia exposure prior Io MI resulted in belier syslolic lunclion (Fractional shortening 26,9% for 3 weeks hypoxia, 24,8% lor 1 week hypoxia ws 18,2 for normoxia MI, pVEGF receptor FIk-1 but not VEGF protein was associated with belier lunclional outcome. Conclusion: Hypoxia can provide capillary angiogenesis, inlarcl limitation, preserved cardiac lunclion posl-MI and reduced remodelling. Enhanced FIk-1 expression associated with enhanced lelt venlrikular function andlimiled MI size. Protection against ischemic injury by hypoxia may be due to increased angiogenesi and reduced hypertrophy.