[Vascular endothelial growth factor--fundamental research and experimental study in plastic surgery].
OBJECTIVE
To review the fundamental research and the experimental study of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).


METHODS
The laboratory information and experimental study of VEGF were extensively reviewed.


RESULTS
VEGF, as a mitogen specifically for endothelial cells, could strongly stimulate angiogenesis as well as vascular permeability, especially in hypoxia state. Experimentally, survival area and viability of flaps could be increased significantly when exogenous VEGF was applied in the form of protein or cDNA.


CONCLUSIONS
VEGF provides a new way for therapeutic angiogenesis in reparative and reconstructive surgery.
Huang
Chen-yu
CY
Department of Burns, Beijing Ji Shui Tan Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China 100035.
Shen
Zu-yao
ZY
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects*; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor