The present invention provides a method of stimulating 
angiogenesis in a human or animal in need thereof, and also provides a composition comprising an angiogenic factor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to a human or other animal a therapeutically effective amount of an angiogenic factor, such as pleiotropin or a 
midkine protein, contained in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  In one embodiment, the carrier includes a 
controlled release matrix, such as a 
polymer, that allows the 
controlled release of angiogenic factors.  The 
polymer is biodegradable and / or bioerodible, preferably biocompatible.  Polymers useful for 
controlled release include, for example, poly(esters), poly(anhydrides) and poly(amino acids).  Polymers include, for example, silk 
elastin poly(
amino acid) block copolymers and poly-
lactide-co-glycolide.  In another embodiment, angiogenic factors may be provided in a carrier comprising liposomes, such as heterocystic liposomes.  Carriers such as liposomes may contain 
targeting ligands capable of targeting the liposomes to predetermined sites 
in vivo.  Angiogenic factors may be administered to the vasculature, such as the cardiovascular 
system or the 
peripheral vasculature.  In preferred embodiments, the angiogenic factor is a pleiotrophin or a 
midkine protein.  In another embodiment, there is provided a method of stimulating 
angiogenesis in a human or animal, the method comprising administering to the human or animal a therapeutically effective amount of a 
gene transfer vector contained in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, the 
gene transfer vector  Can 
encode pleiotropin or 
midkine protein.  
Gene transfer vectors can be, for example, 
naked DNA or viral vectors, and can be used, for example, in combination with liposomes.