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J Reconstr Microsurg 2006; 22(2): 129-136
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-932508
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Intramuscular Administration of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Augmenting Collateral Circulation in a Rat Hindlimb Replantation Model

Feng Yuan1 , Guang-Rong Yu1 , Shi-Min Chang1 , William C. Lineaweaver2 , Feng Zhang2
  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
  • 2Division of Plastic Surgery, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted: October 25, 2005

Publication Date:
03 February 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the effect of exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on augmentation of collateral circulation in a rat hindlimb replantation model. Twenty-eight rats, divided into four groups, underwent right hindlimb replantation. In experimental Group 1, the rats received daily intramuscular VEGF injections (1 μg/kg). In Group 2, the rats received 25 μg/kg VEGF injections. In Group 3, the rats received 50 μg/kg VEGF injections. In Group 4, the control group, rats received saline injections. Seven days after replantation, the repaired femoral vessels were excised. Seven days after excision of the femoral vessels, toe necrosis ratios of the replanted hindlimbs were grossly examined, and calf blood pressures were measured. Angiography was performed and muscle tissue was biopsied for histology. The results showed that administration of VEGF significantly decreased toe necrosis and improved calf blood pressure ratio, angiographic score, and capillary density in the replanted hindlimbs that underwent late vessel excision. The effect of VEGF was significantly dose-dependent. The authors conclude that VEGF can augment angiogenesis and collateral vessel formation in replanted limbs, and improve survival in replanted limbs with potential late arterial insufficiency.

KEYWORDS

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - collateral circulation - limb replantation - rat model

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Feng ZhangM.D. Ph.D. 

Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216