title: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a newly described mediator of angiogenesis.
abstract: Recent studies indicate that, in addition to its neuropoietic actions, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes endothelial cell survival and induces neoangiogenesis in ischemic tissues. Unlike many vascular growth factors that act on many vascular beds, BDNF activity is relatively restricted to central arteries, vessels of cardiac and skeletal muscle, and skin. Studies of newly described biologic mediators that act on large-vessel and microvascular beds in these organs will help us to better understand organ-specific vascular development, as well as to develop novel therapeutic strategies to improve the condition of patients with cardiac and peripheral vascular disease. In this review, we summarize dual proangiogenic actions of BDNF, which, through local activation of TrkB receptor, expressed on a subpopulation of endothelial cells and, in addition, by recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells, contribute to neoangiogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, NY, NY 10021, USA.
authors.forename: Pouneh
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kermani
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hempstead
mesh_terms: D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D020813:Receptor, trkB; D012038:Regeneration
chemical_list: D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D020813:Receptor, trkB