兔大脑中动脉阻断所致局灶性脑缺血脑组织内皮抑素蛋白及mRNA表达增加

目的内皮抑素（endostatin）是强烈的抗血管再生因子。本文探讨大脑中动脉闭塞（middle cerebral artery occlusion,MCAO）致局灶性脑缺血后脑组织内皮抑素蛋白及mRNA基因表达的变化,同时检测缺血脑组织血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGV0的含量。方法24只新西兰白兔随机分为正常对照组（n=5）、假手术组（n=4）、缺血2小时组（n=5）、缺血24小时组（n=5）及缺血48小时组（n=5）共5组。酶联免疫吸附试验测定VEGF含量,免疫组化分析内皮抑素蛋白变化,原位杂交检测内皮抑素mRNA表达。结果与对照组相比,MCAO局灶性脑缺血后内皮抑素蛋白和mRNA表达均明显增加,至少分别增加了50％（P〈0．01）和70％（P〈0．05）,同时缺血脑组织VEGF含量也明显增加,至少增加了270％。结论缺血导致脑组织内皮抑素表达增加,且内皮抑素的增加与缺血后脑组织VEGF变化无相关性,但可能抑制脑缺血后的血管再生,从而加重脑缺血损伤。     

NO增加兔局灶脑缺血后缺血脑组织VEGF表达

目的一氧化氮(NO)和血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)参与血管再生并且可能在脑缺血相互影响,本实验探讨NO对局灶脑缺血后VEGF表达的影响。方法兔局灶脑缺血后应用NO合成底物:左旋-精氨酸(L-Arg),荧光RT-PCR分析缺血脑组织VEGF mRNA表达,ELISA分析VEGF蛋白,脑组织含水率评价脑水肿。结果L-Arg明显增加缺血区VEGF蛋白(1.180±0.433ng/ml vs0.649±0.274ng/ml,P<0.05)和mRNA表达(0.3402±8.876×10-3vs0.2025±0.0413,P<0.05),同时减轻脑水肿(P<0.01)。结论外源性NO增加缺血区VEGF表达,减轻脑水肿,提示联合应用NO合成底物和VEGF对脑缺血后神经保护可能起到更好的协同作用。     

脑缺血耐受大鼠脑组织血管内皮生长因子和血管生成素-1表达的改变及其意义

目的探讨血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)和血管生成素-1(Ang-1)在短暂性脑缺血预处理(IP)诱导的脑缺血耐受大鼠脑组织表达的改变及其意义。方法将99只Wistar大鼠随机分成对照组(9只)、非IP(NIP)组(45只)和IP组(45只)。大脑中动脉线栓法建立局灶性IP模型,NIP组以假手术代替预缺血,分别在IP后1、3、7、14、21 d予以缺血2 h、再灌注22 h,对照组2次均为假手术。大鼠处死前给予神经功能缺损评分(NDS),采用TTC染色测定脑梗死体积,免疫组化染色法检测脑组织VEGF、Ang-1蛋白表达。结果对照组大鼠脑组织无梗死灶,NDS为0。IP 1、3、7 d亚组NDS和梗死体积显著小于NIP组1、3、7 d亚组(P<0.01～0.05),其中IP 3 d亚组NDS最低,梗死体积最小。对照组脑组织少量VEGF蛋白表达,IP 1、3、7 d亚组VEGF蛋白表达显著高于NIP 1、3、7 d亚组(均P<0.05),其中IP 3 d亚组VEGF蛋白表达最高。各组脑组织均有一定程度Ang-1蛋白表达,IP 7 d亚组Ang-1蛋白表达高于NIP 7 d亚组(P<0.05)。结论 IP 1～7 d内脑组织VEGF、Ang-1表达增加,对脑缺血耐受的产生具有重要作用。     

脂质体介导的VEGF质粒脑室内注射促进缺血再灌注损伤大鼠脑的修复

目的　 研究侧脑室注射脂质体包裹的血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF)蛋白表达质粒对缺血性神经元损伤的影响及其可能的作用机制。 方法　 用大脑中动脉 (MCA)线栓法制备大鼠局灶性缺血 /再灌注模型 ,Longa 6分制评分标准对大鼠进行神经功能评分 ,焦油紫 (CV)染色和图像分析处理系统测量梗塞灶大小 ,免疫组织化学技术检测鼠脑中vonWillebrand因子 (vWF)和CRMP 4蛋白的表达。 结果　 经侧脑室注射含有VEGF基因的质粒可以在缺血损伤脑区表达VEGF蛋白 ,并促进缺血侧纹状体的血管增生。在此条件下 ,VEGF高表达组大鼠神经功能恢复加快、体重下降幅度缩小。再灌注 2周时脑梗塞灶体积由对照组的 (2 2 .35± 2 .0 4 ) % ,(n =5 )缩小至VEGF质粒注射组的 (17.38± 1.5 6 ) % (n =6 ) (P <0 .0 5 )。同时 ,VEGF质粒注射组缺血侧纹状体内CRMP 4阳性细胞数为 4 2± 8.4 1,对照组仅为 13.75± 4 .5 2 ,两者相比有统计学差异 (P <0 .0 5 )。 结论　 脑缺血后侧脑室注射脂质体包裹的VEGF蛋白表达质粒对缺血损伤脑具有保护效应。     

依达拉奉和尼莫地平联合应用对脑缺血大鼠脑组织血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的 探讨依达拉奉与尼莫地平联合应用对脑缺血大鼠脑组织血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达的影响.方法 90只Wistar大鼠随机分为5组:正常对照组、脑缺血组、依达拉奉组、尼莫地平组和依达拉奉+尼莫地平组(依尼组),各组又分为缺血12 h、24 h、48 h亚组.用线栓法制作大鼠大脑中动脉堵塞(MCAO)脑缺血模型.制模后1 h,各药物干顶组分别注射依达拉奉3 mg/kg、尼莫地平2 mg/kg和依达拉奉+尼莫地平,正常对照组和脑缺血组大鼠分别腹腔注射生理盐水.各组大鼠分别于预定时间点处死,用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法检测脑组织VEGFmRNA水平.结果 各组缺血24 h、48 h亚组脑组织VEGF mRNA水平明显低于正常对照组(均P＜0.01),各药物干预组脑组织VEGF mRNA水平显著高于脑缺血组(均P＜0.01);依尼组脑组织VEGF mRNA水平又显著高于依达拉奉组和尼莫地平组(均P＜0.01).结论 依达拉奉和尼莫地平能上调缺血脑组织VEGF的表达水平,联合应用效果更好.     

大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注血管内皮生长因子的表达变化及意义

目的探讨Wistar大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注后脑组织血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达变化及意义。方法选择体质量250～300g健康雄性Wistar大鼠60只,随机分为对照组、假手术组、局灶性脑缺血2h后再灌注0、1、3、6、9、12、24、72h及1、2周组共12组,每组5只,用线栓法制备大脑中动脉闭塞和再灌注(MCAO/R)模型。各组分别于相应时间点取鼠脑行冠状切片的HE及免疫组化染色。结果HE染色结果可见缺血后脑组织出现神经元变性、坏死,细胞周围水肿,软化灶形成。免疫组化染色结果显示:缺血2h后再灌注各组缺血灶周围小血管内皮细胞VEGF表达均较对照组、假手术组增高,内皮细胞在再灌注24、72h组表达量最高,再灌注1周组表达有所下降,再灌注2周组表达量仍较对照组、假手术组高;神经元及胶质细胞在再灌注9、12h组VEGF表达量最高,再灌注24、72h组较再灌注9、12h组有所下降,再灌注1、2周组无表达。结论脑缺血再灌注后VEGF在内皮细胞、神经元和胶质细胞表达增加但不同步,提示VEGF通过不同机制参与脑缺血的病理生理过程。     

腺苷预处理对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤后VEGF的表达

目的通过观察腺苷预处理后大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注区脑组织的病理结构、脑梗死面积及血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达,探讨腺苷预处理诱导脑缺血耐受的可能作用机制。方法制作大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤模型。60只SD大鼠随机分为3组:假手术组(F组)、缺血再灌注组(IR组)、腺苷预处理组(AP组),再按缺血再灌注后不同时间把各组随机分成4个亚组(每亚组5只大鼠)。通过TTC染色观察脑梗死体积,并应用免疫组化法检测各组大鼠脑组织VEGF的表达。结果 (1)TTC染色正常脑组织呈鲜红色,梗死区脑组织呈苍白色,并且随着再灌注时间的延长可见梗死区扩大,腺苷预处理组的脑梗死体积小于缺血再灌注组。(2)F组可见少量VEGF阳性表达,IR组和AP组在脑缺血再灌注后2 h开始出现VEGF阳性表达的细胞数量增多,24 h达到高峰,72 h下降,AP组在6 h、24 h VEGF阳性表达比IR组增强(P均<0.05),在72 h时AP组VEGF阳性表达较IR组减少(P<0.05)。结论腺苷预处理能够进一步增强大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤后VEGF的表达;VEGF的表达增加可能是腺苷预处理诱导脑缺血耐受和产生神经保护作用的分子机制之一。     

缺血预适应对局灶性脑缺血再灌注大鼠海马CA_1区血管内皮生长因子及存活素表达的影响

目的通过观察缺血预适应后局灶性脑缺血再灌注大鼠缺血侧海马CA1区血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、存活素表达的变化,探讨缺血预适应的脑保护机制。方法 SD大鼠130只,随机分为假手术组(SO组)、脑缺血组(MCAO组)和脑缺血预适应组(BIP组),后两组按缺血后再灌注时间不同分为再灌注2 h、6 h、12 h、24 h、48 h及72 h 6个亚组。采用改良线栓法制作大鼠大脑中动脉阻塞(2 h)模型,应用免疫组化法与Western blot法观察脑缺血后再灌注各时间点海马CA1区VEGF、存活素的表达变化。结果与MCAO组比较,BIP组各时间点VEGF、存活素的阳性细胞数及蛋白量表达均明显增高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组组内各相邻时间点比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论脑缺血预适应可能通过上调VEGF、存活素的表达,发挥脑保护作用。     

局灶性缺血预处理对脑缺血大鼠血管内皮生长因子表达及血管形成的影响

目的：探讨血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）在脑缺血耐受中的作用及其与血管形成的关系。方法：Wistar大鼠线栓法阻塞大脑中动脉建立局灶性缺血预处理模型,并进行神经功能评分。随机分为假手术（对照组）、非缺血预处理（NIP）组和缺血预处理（IP）组,NIP和IP组再根据不同时间窗随机分成5个亚组。分别在缺血预处理后1、3、7、14和21 d进行再次缺血2 h再灌注22 h,然后取脑检测：TTC染色测定脑梗死体积,计数微血管密度,免疫组化检测CD34和VEGF蛋白表达,原位杂交法检测VEGF mRNA表达。结果：①组间比较：IP 1、3和7 d亚组脑梗死体积较NIP组明显减小（P〈0.01）,其神经行为缺损评分也明显降低（P〈0.05）;IP 3和7 d亚组脑微血管密度明显增高（P〈0.05）;IP 1、3和7 d亚组VEGF蛋白及mRNA表达明显增高（P〈0.05,P〈0.01）。②组内比较：IP 7 d亚组微血管在缺血灶周边区分布最为密集,脑微血管密度明显高于同组内其他亚组（P〈0.05）;IP 3和7 d亚组VEGF蛋白表达明显增高,VEGF mRNA表达在IP 1 d即开始升高,高峰出现在IP 3 d,持续至7 d。结论：缺血预处理诱导了脑缺血耐受,缺血预处理诱导的VEGF表达增加以及血管形成在脑缺血耐受中发挥重要作用。     

短暂性脑缺血预处理诱导脑缺血耐受大鼠VEGF和Ang-1的表达变化

目的观察血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)和血管生成素-1(Ang-1)在短暂性脑缺血预处理(IP)诱导脑缺血耐受中的作用。方法 Wistar大鼠随机分成假手术对照组(9只)、非缺血预处理组(NIP,45只)、缺血预处理组(IP,45只),后两组再随机分成5个亚组。线栓法阻塞大脑中动脉建立局灶性缺血预处理模型,分别在缺血预处理后1、3、7、14、21d进行再次缺血2h再灌注22h,取脑检查。TTC染色测定脑梗死体积,免疫组织化学法检测VEGF、Ang-1蛋白表达。结果 (1)组间比较:IP组1、3、7d亚组梗死体积较NIP组明显减小(P<0.01),其神经行为缺损评分也明显降低(P<0.05);IP组1、3、7d亚组VEGF蛋白表达明显增高;而IP组7d亚组Ang-1蛋白表达明显增高(P<0.05)。(2)组内比较:IP组3d亚组梗死体积减小最为明显;3、7d亚组VEGF蛋白表达明显增高(P<0.05)。结论短暂性脑缺血预处理诱导脑缺血耐受的产生,VEGF和Ang-1在缺血预处理产生脑缺血耐受的相应时间窗内表达有所增加。     

血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子在缺血预处理大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注区域的表达

背景：脑缺血预处理可增加碱性成纤维细胞生长因子的表达,可能导致脑缺血耐受的产生。大鼠大脑中动脉缺血再灌注给予血管内皮生长因子能够起到神经保护作用。 目的：观察缺血预处理对缺血再灌注大鼠血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子表达的影响。 方法：将SD大鼠随机分为缺血预处理组、模型组和假手术组。缺血预处理及模型组线栓法阻塞大脑中动脉制备脑缺血模型。预处理组在脑缺血-再灌注前3 d用插入尼龙线阻塞大脑中动脉,缺血2 h后再灌注22 h。模型组第一次手术将线栓前推5 mm,不阻断血流,其他同预处理组。假手术组仅插入尼龙线不阻塞大脑中动脉。用苏木精-伊红染色法观察3组间神经细胞变化。用抗生物素-生物素-过氧化物酶复合物法检测各组血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子蛋白的表达。分别比较3组神经功能评分、光镜下脑缺血再灌注区神经细胞形态、血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子的表达。 结果与结论：与模型组比较,预处理组神经功能评分明显低于模型组(P < 0.01)。光镜下观察结果显示,与模型组比较,预处理组缺血面积及缺血程度均减轻,血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子表达均明显升高(P < 0.05)。结果提示缺血预处理可能通过增强血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子而对缺血再灌注大鼠神经细胞起保护作用。     

Suppression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and its downstream genes reduces acute hyperglycemia‐enhanced hemorrhagic transformation in a rat model of cerebral ischemia

We evaluated a role of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and its downstream genes in acute hyperglycemia‐induced hemorrhagic transformation in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats weighing 280–300 g (n = 105) were divided into sham, 90 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), MCAO plus HIF‐1α inhibitors, 2‐methoxyestradiol (2ME2) or 3‐(5′‐hydroxymethyl‐2′‐furyl)‐1‐benzylindazole (YC‐1), groups. Rats received an injection of 50% dextrose (6 ml/kg intraperitoneally) at 15 min before MCAO. HIF‐1α inhibitors were administered at the onset of reperfusion. The animals were examined for neurological deficits and sacrificed at 6, 12, 24, and 72 hr following MCAO. The cerebral tissues were collected for histology, zymography, and Western blot analysis. The expression of HIF‐1α was increased in ischemic brain tissues after MCAO and reduced by HIF‐1α inhibitors. In addition, 2ME2 reduced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the elevation of active matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and ?9 (MMP‐2/MMP‐9) in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Both 2ME2 and YC‐1 reduced infarct volume and ameliorated neurological deficits. However, only 2ME2 attenuated hemorrhagic transformation in the ischemic territory. In conclusion, the inhibition of HIF‐1α and its downstream genes attenuates hemorrhagic conversion of cerebral infarction and ameliorates neurological deficits after focal cerebral ischemia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Early NFkappaB activation is inhibited during focal cerebral ischemia in interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme deficient mice

Our previous study demonstrated that the inhibition of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) reduces ischemic brain injury; however, the molecular mechanism of the action of IL-1 in cerebral ischemia is unclear. We are investigating currently the role of NFkappaB during focal cerebral ischemia, using mutant mice deficient in the interleukin-1 converting enzyme gene (ICE KO) in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Adult male ICE KO and wild-type mice (n = 120) underwent up to 24 hr of permanent MCAO. Cytoplasmic phospho-NFkappaB/p65 expression in ischemic brain was examined using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. NFkappaB DNA-binding activity was detected using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Furthermore, ICAM-1 expression was examined in both the ICE KO and wild-type mice (WT). Western blot analysis and immunostaining showed that the level of cytosolic phosphorylated NFkappaB/p65 increased after 2 and 4 hr of MCAO in WT mice; however, NFkappaB/p65 was significantly reduced after MCAO in the ICE KO mice (P < 0.05). EMSA showed that NFkappaB DNA-binding activity increased after MCAO in WT mice; but this effect was reduced in the ICE KO mice. The number of ICAM-1-positive vessels in the ischemic hemisphere was greatly attenuated in the ICE KO mice (P < 0.05), which paralleled the results of immunohistochemistry. Our results demonstrate that NFkappaB phosphorylation is reduced in ICE KO mice, suggesting that ICE or IL-1 are involved in early NFkappaB phosphorylation. Because cerebral ischemia induced infarction is significantly reduced in ICE KO mice, we conclude that early NFkappaB phosphorylation plays a disruptive role in the ischemic process.     

细胞外信号调节激酶在NGF/VEGF介导的神经保护作用中的动态变化及其调控机制

目的探讨细胞外信号调节激酶1(ERK1)在局灶性脑缺血/再灌注不同时间、不同脑区的动态时空变化,以及其在NGF/VEGF介导的神经保护作用中的调控表达机制。方法采用兔大脑中动脉阻断(MCAO)局灶性脑缺血再灌注模型,所有动物随机分为假手术组(n=6)、缺血/再灌注组(n=60)、因子干预组(n=40)。应用免疫组化检测ERK1在脑缺血/再灌注损伤不同脑区的动态表达,同时,应用免疫组化、流式细胞术和电镜检测caspase-3表达、凋亡和超微结构的变化。结果免疫组化分析显示,再灌注损伤1hERK1首先在海马CA3和齿状回(DG)表达增加,6h后其它脑区也相继增加,随再灌注时间延长而加剧,1~3d达高峰。再灌注1hcaspase-3活性表达在各脑区迅速增加,3d达高峰。应用神经保护剂(NGF/VEGF)后各脑区ERK1表达呈明显抑制,caspase-3表达同时被抑制。结论ERK信号通路可能通过调节死亡受体途径介导神经保护作用,抑制ERK信号途径可能是减轻脑缺血损伤过程中神经细胞死亡的有效方法。     

白果内酯对高血糖大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 观察白果内酯对高血糖大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用及其可能机制.方法 采用50%的葡萄糖溶液腹腔注射(6 ml/kg)建立急性高血糖模型.采用线栓法建立大鼠脑缺血再灌注模型,按随机数字表方法将40只大鼠分为高血糖假手术组(假手术组),高血糖+缺血再灌注损伤组(模型组),高血糖+缺血再灌注损伤+白果内酯组(白果内酯组),白果内酯分三个剂量组(2.5,5,10 mg/kg),每组各8只.白果内酯组于术前3 d连续给予白果内酯腹腔注射,术前1 h再给予腹腔注射1次.脑缺血2 h,再灌注24 h后行神经功能缺损评分、脑梗死体积及脑含水量测定,同时测定脑组织中水通道蛋白-4(AQP4)mRNA的表达,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的活力,计算脑组织中丙二醛(MDA)的含量及去甲肾上腺素(NE)、多巴胺(DA)和5-羟色胺(5-HT)的表达.结果 白果内酯(5,10 mg/kg)组大鼠与模型组相比,神经功能缺损评分下降,脑梗死体积缩小,脑含水量降低,缺血侧脑组织中AQP4 mRNA的表达下调,SOD活力提高,MDA含量减低,NE、DA及5-HT的含量增加,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 白果内酯对高血糖条件下的局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤具有一定的保护作用.     

Intrastriatal transplantation of bone marrow nonhematopoietic cells improves functional recovery after stroke in adult mice.

The authors transplanted adult bone marrow nonhematopoietic cells into the striatum after embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Mice (n = 23; C57BL/6J) were divided into four groups: (1) mice (n = 5) were subjected to MCAO and transplanted with bone marrow nonhematopoietic cells (prelabeled by bromodeoxyuridine, BrdU) into the ischemic striatum, (2) MCAO alone (n = 8), (3) MCAO with injection of phosphate buffered saline (n = 5), and (4) bone marrow nonhematopoietic cells injected into the normal striatum (n = 5). Mice were killed at 28 days after stroke. BrdU reactive cells survived and migrated a distance of approximately 2.2 mm from the grafting areas toward the ischemic areas. BrdU reactive cells expressed the neuronal specific protein NeuN in 1% of BrdU stained cells and the astrocytic specific protein glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in 8% of the BrdU stained cells. Functional recovery from a rotarod test (P < 0.05) and modified neurologic severity score tests (including motor, sensory, and reflex; P < 0.05) were significantly improved in the mice receiving bone marrow nonhematopoietic cells compared with MCAO alone. The current findings suggest that the intrastriatal transplanted bone marrow nonhematopoietic cells survived in the ischemic brain and improved functional recovery of adult mice even though infarct volumes did not change significantly. Bone marrow nonhematopoietic cells may provide a new avenue to promote recovery of injured brain.     

Application of real-time polymerase chain reaction to quantitate induced expression of interleukin-1beta mRNA in ischemic brain tolerance

A short duration of ischemia (i.e., ischemic preconditioning) was shown to result in significant tolerance to subsequent ischemic injury. Since previous reports suggest that interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) may be involved in both ischemic damage and neuroprotection, the present work examined the expression of IL-1beta mRNA in cortical brain tissue after an established preconditioning (PC) stimulus known to produce significant brain tolerance to focal stroke after 1-7 days. Significant induction of IL-1beta mRNA was observed in the ipsilateral cortex at 6 hr (87+/-9 copies of the mRNA per microgram of brain tissue compared to 16+/-5 copies in sham-operated samples, P < 0.001, n = 4) and 8 hr (46+/-4 copies, P < 0.01, n = 4) after PC by means of real-time Taqman polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The peak expression of IL-1beta mRNA after PC was significantly (P < 0.01) lower than that after permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO), i.e., 87+/-9 and 546+/-92 copies of RNA per microgram tissue at peak levels for PC and focal stroke, respectively. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed a parallel induction of IL-1beta in the ipsilateral cortex after PC. The maximal expression of IL-1beta was observed during the first week post-PC, showing marked parallelism with the duration of ischemic tolerance. These data suggest that the significant but low levels of IL-1beta induction after PC may contribute to ischemic brain tolerance.     

Activated microvessels express vascular endothelial growth factor and integrin alpha(v)beta3 during focal cerebral ischemia.

Both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and integrin alpha(v)beta3 play roles in angiogenesis. In noncerebral vascular systems, VEGF can induce endothelial integrin alpha(v)beta3 expression. However, it is unknown whether VEGF, like integrin alpha(v)beta3, appears in the initial response of microvessels to focal brain ischemia. Their coordinate expression in microvessels of the basal ganglia after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in the nonhuman primate model was examined quantitatively. Cells incorporating deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP+) by the polymerase I reaction at 1 hour (n = 3), 2 hours (n = 3), and 7 days (n = 4) after MCAO defined the ischemic core (Ic) and peripheral regions. Both VEGF and integrin alpha(v)beta3 were expressed by activated noncapillary (7.5- to 30.0-microm diameter) microvessels in the Ic region at 1 and 2 hours after MCAO. At 7 days after MCAO, the number of VEGF+, integrin alpha(v)beta3+, or proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive microvessels had decreased within the Ic region. The expressions of VEGF, integrin alpha(v)beta3, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were highly correlated on the same microvessels using hierarchical log-linear statistical models. Also, VEGF and subunit alpha(v) messenger ribonucleic acids were coexpressed on selected microvessels. Here, noncapillary microvessels are activated specifically early during a focal cerebral ischemic insult and rapidly express VEGF and integrin alpha(v)beta3 together.