Vascular endothelial growth factor-B expression in postischemic rat brain

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) protects against experimental stroke, but the effect of stroke on VEGF-B expression is uncertain. METHODS: We examined VEGF-B expression by immunohistochemistry in the ischemic border zone 1-7 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. RESULTS: VEGF-B immunoreactivity in the border zone was increased after middle cerebral artery occlusion and was associated with neurons and macrophages/microglia, but not astrocytes or endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide additional evidence for a role of VEGF-B in the endogenous response to cerebral ischemia.