VEGFA and atherosclerosis: Systemic VEGF gene delivery does not induce atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice,436 but local administration of VEGF-A and VEGF-D promotes angiogenesis and intimal hyperplasia in rabbits.437 Moreover, VEGF can recruit macrophages and monocytes, potentially exacerbating plaque formation,438 as demonstrated by intracoronary VEGF-A164 delivery, which worsened arteriosclerotic injury in rabbits.