Description
PlGF (placenta growth factor) is a homodimeric growth factor that competes with VEGF for binding to VEGF R1/Flt-1. It therefore increases the availability of VEGF to bind to VEGF R2/KDR/Flk-1 and trigger angiogenesis. It can form heterodimers with some forms of VEGF and decrease the angiogenic effect of VEGF on VEGF R2. Circulating PlGF levels increase during pregnancy, reaching a peak in mid-gestation; this increase is attenuated in preeclampsia. PlGF induces monocyte activation and migration as well as production of inflammatory cytokines and VEGF. These activities facilitate wound, bone fracture, and cardiac repair, but also contribute to inflammation in active sickle cell disease and atherosclerosis. PlGF can also inhibit TIMP3 expression in the spleen, leading to immune triggering of hypertension