Neovascularization after ischemic nerve injury

Because angioneogenesis is associated with wound repair, neovascularization may play an important role in regeneration after nerve injury. This hypothesis was tested in the present study in which the number and distribution of endoneurial capillaries were determined 6 weeks after ischemic nerve injury. The density of capillaries was increased in the central fascicular regions of the distal sciatic and proximal tibial nerves at sites of ischemic injury. This was accompanied by a decrease in intercapillary distance. Neovascularization may be a response to ischemia or a consequence of nerve degeneration or regeneration, the mechanisms of which are poorly understood.