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The skeletal muscle capillary supply is an important determinant of maximum exercise capacity, and it is well known that endurance exercise training increases the muscle capillary supply. The muscle capillary supply and exercise-induced angiogenesis are regulated in part by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is produced by skeletal muscle cells and can be secreted into the circulation. We investigated whether there are differences in circulating plasma VEGF between sedentary individuals (Sed) and well-trained endurance athletes (ET) at rest or in response to acute exercise. Eight ET men (maximal oxygen consumption: 63.8 ± 2.3 ml·kg^-1·min^-1; maximum power output: 409.4 ± 13.3 W) and eight Sed men (maximal oxygen consumption: 36.3 ± 2.1 ml·kg^-1·min^-1; maximum power output: 234.4 ± 13.3 W) exercised for 1 h at 50% of maximum power output. Antecubital vein plasma was collected at …