Background Various angiogenic growth factors are involved in the myocardial collateral formation in the setting of chronic coronary occlusion (CTO) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Each growth factors act on different phases of collateral formation including vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and arteriogenesis. However, exact mechanisms and the role of growth factors that underlie myocardial collateral formation in the early phase of AMI are yet to be determined. We assessed the relation between plasma levels of angiogenic factors including stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endostatin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and the development of collaterals as evaluated by coronary angiography (CAG) in the early phase of AMI. Methods 40 patients with AMI who did not receive reperfusion therapy were enrolled and underwent CAG from 1 to 7 day after admission (mean duration 3.5짹2.3 days). Blood sample was obtained at the time of CAG and plasma concentrations of SDF-1, VEGF, endostatin, and MCP-1 were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. According to CAG, 40 patients were divided into group 0 (patients with no visible collaterals, n=20), and group 1 (patients with partial or complete filling of recipient epicardial artery by collaterals, n=20). Results There were no differences in demographic and angiographic characteristics. Plasma MCP-1 level were significantly higher in group 1 than group 0 (262짹216 pg/ml vs 151짹88, p=0.039). Plasma SDF-1 level was similar in group 0 and 1 (2091짹772 vs 1806짹508 pg/ml). Interestingly, there was no significant difference in plasma levels of VEGF and endostatin levels between group 0 and 1 (VEGF 324짹363 vs 369짹377pg/ml, endostatin: 1.49짹1.15 vs 1.74짹1.71). Conclusion Plasma levels of angiogenic growth factors seem to differ between patients with the early phase of AMI and those with CTO. Plasma MCP-1 level is strongly associated with well developed collaterals in patients with AMI.