Embodiments of the invention are directed to the administration of the composition containing a portion of the peptide Lv to a subject to promote angiogenesis. The interaction between peptide Lv and VEGFR2 represents a novel pathway regulating angiogenesis and cardiac function. The artificially modified peptide Lv, the inverso D-peptide Lv, shows a similar efficacy in promoting endothelial cell proliferation as the natural peptide Lv. Additional embodiments are directed to the use of anti-Lv antibodies for reducing angiogenesis and dampening L-VGCC activities.
