[Effect of vascular endothelial growth factor in fracture healing].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in fracture healing and to investigate the influence of VEGF and VEGF antibody in fracture healing.


METHODS
One hundred and five rabbits were used to make fracture model in the left radius and randomly divided into control group, VEGF group and VEGF antibody group. VEGF and VEGF antibody were used in the VEGF group and VEGF antibody group respectively, then the blood flow of the fracture ends was measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) 8, 24, 72 hours, 1, 3, 5 and 8 weeks after fracture, the X-ray films of the fracture sites were taken after 1, 3, 5 and 8 weeks to observe the fracture healing.


RESULTS
The blood flow of the fracture ends in the VEGF group increased during a period from 8 h to 3 wk after fraction when compared with that of the control group, and no obvious difference was seen on the X-ray films between the two groups. In the VEGF antibody group, the blood flow of the fracture ends decreased obviously when compared with that of the control group. The fracture healing process was interfered seriously and nonunion change was seen in the fracture site.


CONCLUSIONS
The lack of VEGF will interfere with the fracture healing process and result in nonunion in the fracture site. Administration of ectogenous VEGF may promote fracture healing by increasing the blood flow of the fracture ends.
Chu
Tong-Wei
TW
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital of Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China 400037.
Wang
Zheng-Guo
ZG
Zhu
Pei-Fang
PF
Jiao
Wen-Cang
WC
Wen
Jian-Liang
JL
Gong
Shui-gen
SG
D000818:Animals; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000188:drug therapy; 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