Computational model of vascular endothelial growth factor spatial distribution in muscle and pro-angiogenic cell therapy.

ABSTRACT: Members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of proteins are critical regulators of angiogenesis. VEGF concentration gradients are important for activation and chemotactic guidance of capillary sprouting, but measurement of these gradients in vivo is not currently possible. We have constructed a biophysically and molecularly detailed computational model to study microenvironmental transport of two isoforms of VEGF in rat extensor digitorum longus skeletal muscle under in vivo conditions. Using parameters based on experimental measurements, the model includes: VEGF secretion from muscle fibers; binding to the extracellular matrix; binding to and activation of endothelial cell surface VEGF receptors; and internalization. For 2-D cross sections of tissue, we analyzed predic

SUBMITTER: Mac Gabhann F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1570371 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature