Factor VII activating protease (FSAP) influences vascular remodeling in the mouse hind limb ischemia model.

Background: Investigations in factor VII activating protease (FSAP) mice suggest a role for FSAP in stroke, thrombosis and neointima formation. Here, we analyzed the role of FSAP in vascular remodeling processes related to arteriogenesis and angiogenesis in the mouse hind limb ischemia model.

Methods And Results: Femoral artery ligation was performed in mice and exogenous FSAP was injected locally to examine its effect on arteriogenesis in the adductor and angiogenesis in the gastrocnemius muscle over 21 days.