Endothelial deletion of PKCδ prevents VEGF inhibition and restores blood flow reperfusion in diabetic ischemic limb.

Aims: Peripheral artery disease is a complication of diabetes leading to critical hindlimb ischemia. Diabetes-induced inhibition of VEGF actions is associated with the activation of protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ). We aim to specifically investigate the role of PKCδ in endothelial cell (EC) function and VEGF signaling.

Methods: Nondiabetic and diabetic mice, with () or without () endothelial deletion of PKCδ, underwent femoral artery ligation. Blood flow reperfusion was assessed up to 4 weeks post-surgery. Capillary density, EC apoptosis and VEGF signaling were evaluated in the ischemic muscle. Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) phosphatase activity was assessed using primary ECs.

Results: Ischemic muscle of diabetic mice exhibited reduced blood flow reperfusion and capillary density while apoptosis increased as compared to nondiabetic mice. In contrast, blood flow reperfusion and capillary density were significantly improved in diabetic mice. VEGF signaling pathway was restored in diabetic mice. The deletion of PKCδ in ECs prevented diabetes-induced VEGF unresponsiveness through a reduction of SHP-1 phosphatase activity.

Conclusions: Our data provide new highlights in mechanisms by which PKCδ activation in EC contributed to poor collateral vessel formation, thus, offering novel therapeutic targets to improve angiogenesis in the diabetic limb.