Heparinase enhances collateral vessel development in the ischemic limb

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Vascular Biology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Angiogenic factors are stored in the extracellular matrix, bound to heparin.
• Controlled release of these factors offers a strategy for stimulating blood vessel growth in ischemic tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if in vivo administration of heparinase enhances collateral vessel development in ischemic limbs.
• To test the hypothesis that heparinase promotes angiogenic factor release, specifically basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

Main Methods:

• New Zealand White rabbits with surgically induced hindlimb ischemia were used.
• The heparinase group received daily intramuscular injections of heparinase, while the control group received inactivated heparinase.
• Vascularization was assessed by measuring calf systolic pressure ratios and quantifying vessel density on angiograms.

Main Results:

• Intramuscular heparinase injection significantly improved perfusion to the ischemic limb.
• Enhanced collateral vessel development was observed in the heparinase-treated group compared to controls.
• Angiograms revealed increased vascularization in the ischemic thigh following heparinase administration.

Conclusions:

• Heparinase administration is an effective method for improving blood flow in ischemic tissues.
• The therapeutic effect is attributed to the controlled release of endogenous angiogenic factors, such as bFGF.
• This approach holds promise for treating ischemic conditions through enhanced angiogenesis.