High-level expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in an aphthous ulcer.
BACKGROUND
Aphthous ulcers are an extremely common disorder of unknown etiology. These ulcers cause significant morbidity through pain and interference with eating. Thalidomide, an angiogenesis inhibitor, is efficacious for the treatment of aphthous ulcers.


METHODS
In situ hybridization was performed on an idiopathic aphthous ulcer using probes specific for the angiogenesis factor vascular endothelial growth factor, and its receptors, in order to determine whether these ulcers are highly angiogenic.


CONCLUSIONS
Aphthous ulcers are highly angiogenic. Thalidomide may act to heal aphthous ulcers by inhibiting angiogenesis and promoting reepithelialization. Excess angiogenesis may inhibit reepithelialization in certain types of ulcers, and angiogenesis inhibitors may actually promote wound healing if ulcers are caused by excess angiogenesis.
Arbiser
Jack L
JL
Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine and Emory Skin Disease Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. jarbise@emory.edu
Johnson
Darlene
D
Cohen
Cynthia
C
Brown
Lawrence F
LF
D001706:Biopsy; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D013281:Stomatitis, Aphthous / Q000378:metabolism*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism*
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor