OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of pravastatin and granulocyto-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in mobilizing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in mice with myocardial ischemia, and explore the possible mechanism of EPC mobilization.

METHODSNinety-six mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=24), namely the control group, saline group, pravastatin group and G-CSF group. In the latter 3 groups, myocardial ischemia was induced with isoprenine followed by intraperitoneal injections of normal saline, pravastatin and G-CSF for 5 consecutive days. On days 1, 5, 7, and 9 after establishment of myocardial ischemia, 6 mice from each group were randomly selected for measurement of the EPC count and serum concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

RESULTSCompared with the control group, EPC count increased slightly in the saline group on days 1, 5, and 7. EPC count increased significantly in pravastatin group on days 5, 7 and 9 in comparison with that of the saline group, and the increment was more obvious in G-CSF group. In comparison with the control group, the concentrations of VEGF augmented on days 5, 7 and 9 in the order of saline group, pravastatin group and G-CSF group. The effect of G-CSF on EPC mobilization was positively correlated to VEGF concentrations.

CONCLUSIONMyocardial ischemia induces EPC mobilization and VEGF release. Both Pravastatin and G-CSF can enhance EPC mobilization from the bone marrow and VEGF release, but G-CSF produces a stronger effect on EPC mobilization in association of VEGF release.