Hypoxia induces angiogenic factors in brain microvascular endothelial cells

► Effects of hypoxia on brain microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) were examined. ► Hypoxia resulted in the increased expression and release of VEGF protein and mRNA. ► Increased ET-1 was released into the culture medium under hypoxic conditions. ► Hypoxia resulted in a decrease in expression of eNOS and suggests that hypoxia evokes a pro-angiogenic phenotype in ECs.