ABSTRACT
To investigate the in vitro and in vivo proangiogenic effects of brain-derived ncurotrophic factor (BDNF),human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were isolated and cultured in primary culture.The effect of BDNF on the proliferation of HUVECs was examined by MTT assay.The effects of BDNF on HUVEC migration and tube formation were studied by modified Boyden chamber assay and tube formation assay,respectively.Matrigel plug assay and chorioaUantoic membrane assay were used to evaluate the effects of BDNF on angiogencsis in vivo.Our results showed that BDNF substantially stimulated the migration and tube formation of HUVECs in vitro,although it did not induce HUVEC proliferation.BDNF also induced angiogenesis both in matrigcl plug of mouse model and in chick chorioallantoic membrane.In conclusion,BDNF can promote angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo,and may be a proangiogenic factor.