Objective: To study the angiogenesis effects of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of VEGF-B on chronic ischemic myocardium. Methods: Domestic pigs underwent thoracotomy and placement of an ameroid constrictor on the circumflex coronary artery. Four weeks later

Ad. VEGF-B

Ad. LacZ or PBS were administrated directly into the myocardium at 10 sites in the circumflex distribution （109 PFU or 100 μl） according to groups. Echocardiography and ex vivo coronary angiography were performed. The injection sites around myocardium were harvested and subjected to histological analysis and immunochemical staining. Results: E-chocardiography assessment 4 weeks after vector administration demonstrated significant improvement of regional wall systolic function. Collateral vessel development assessed by angiography was also significantly greater in Ad. VEGF-B animals than that in control animals. Vascular density analysis revealed a mean of 43±5 neovessels per high-power field in Ad. VEGF-B group versus 19±4 and 17±6 in