Endothelial cell growth factor enhances musculocutaneous flap survival through the process of neovascularization.
The effect of an angiogenic growth factor-endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF)-was tested in the rat transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap model based on a single inferior vascular pedicle. The animals were divided into three groups (N = 8 per group) after flap elevation. In group A (control), each animal received both local and local intra-arterial injections of 1 ml saline. In group B (local), each received a 2-mg ECGF local injection and 1-ml saline local intra-arterial injection. In group C (local intra-arterial), each received a 1-ml saline local injection and a 2-mg ECGF local intra-arterial injection. All animals were evaluated on postoperative day 7. There was a significant increase in the percentage of the skin paddle survival area of the TRAM flap in both ECGF-treated groups when compared with the control group (group B vs. group A, p < 0.001; group C vs. group A, p < 0.001). This correlated with a significant increase in vascularity in both ECGF-treated groups compared with the control group (group B vs. group A, p = 0.007; group C vs. group A, p = 0.021). The results between groups B and C were not significant. ECGF, when administered via either local or local intra-arterial route, enhances musculocutaneous flap survival through the process of neovascularization.
Pu
L L
LL
Division of Plastic Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa 33606, USA.
Ahmed
S
S
Thomson
J G
JG
Reid
M A
MA
Madsen
J A
JA
Restifo
R J
RJ
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D014022:Tissue Survival / Q000187:drug effects*
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors