Angiogenesis using hepatocyte growth factor

Abstract

Methods for enhancing angiogenesis in a mammal using hepatocyte growth factor (“HGF”) are provided. In the methods, HGF can be administered to mammals suffering from, for instance, vascular insufficiency or arterial occlusive disease. Articles of manufacture and kits containing HGF are also provided.

1 . A method of enhancing angiogenesis in a mammal, comprising administering an effective amount of hepatocyte growth factor (“HGF”) to the mammal. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said HGF has at least 80% sequence identity with a native mammalian HGF. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said HGF has at least 90% sequence identity with a native mammalian HGF. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said HGF has at least 95% sequence identity with a native mammalian HGF. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said HGF is human HGF. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said HGF is administered intraarterially. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein HGF is additionally administered intravenously. 
     
     
         8 . An article of manufacture, comprising:
 a container;   a label on said container; and   a composition comprising an active agent contained within said container;
 wherein the composition is effective for enhancing angiogenesis, the label on said container indicates that the composition can be used for enhancing angiogenesis, and the active agent in said composition comprises HGF. 
   
     
     
         9 . The article of manufacture of  claim 8  further comprising instructions for administering the HGF to a mammal to enhance angiogenesis. 
     
     
         10 . A kit, comprising:
 a first container, a label on said container, and a composition comprising an active agent contained within said container;
 wherein the composition is effective for enhancing angiogenesis, the label on said container indicates that the composition can be used for enhancing angiogenesis, and the active agent in said composition comprises HGF; 
   a second container comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable buffer; and   
       instructions for using the HGF to enhance angiogenesis.