Erythropoietin and Growth Factors Exhibit Differential Angiogenic Potential in Mouse Heart

BACKGROUND: The possible angiogenic effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) and several possibly angiogenic cytokines such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGIF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was investigated in mouse heart. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were divided into five groups (n = 7/group): A, control; B, rHuEpo-treated; C, (aFGF-treated); D, (VEGF-treated); E, (bFGF-treated). The antibody mouse anti-human CD31 was used to evaluate the vessels present in histological preparations. RESULTS: The results show a significant increase of the vessel number per optical field in the rHuEpo-treated, the bFGF-treated and the VEGF-treated animals compared to controls whereas aFGF did not show any significant angiogenic activity. CONCLUSION: Erythropoietin has a significant angiogenic effect in the mouse heart, similar to the effect of other angiogenic factors such as bFGF and VEGF whereas aFGF does not exhibit any effect.