Evaluation of the mechanism of vascular endothelial growth factor improvement of ischemic flap survival in rats.
This study evaluated the effects of exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the regulation of cytokines in a rat dorsal ischemic skin flap model. Exogenous VEGF (1 microg/ml) was injected subdermally into the flaps of 12 rats before the flaps were sutured back in place. Another 12 rats with flaps received saline injections, as a control group. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the flaps treated with VEGF or saline solution, at positions 2.5, 5.5, and 8.5 cm from the distal edge of the flaps, at 12 hours (n = 6 for each group) and 24 hours (n = 6 for each group) after suturing of the flaps. Expression of cytokine, growth factor, and inducible nitric oxide synthase was measured. The results demonstrated that expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide synthase in the distal part of the VEGF-treated flaps was significantly decreased, compared with the control values, at 12 and 24 hours postoperatively. It was concluded that administration of exogenous VEGF could protect flaps from ischemia-reperfusion injury through the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and the inhibition of cytotoxic nitric oxide production.
Pang
Yi
Y
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Plasic Surgery, University of Mississippoi Medical Center, Jackson, 39216, USA.
Lineaweaver
William C
WC
Lei
Man-Ping
MP
Oswald
Tanya
T
Shamburger
Susan
S
Cai
Zhengwei
Z
Zhang
Feng
F
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007511:Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000517:prevention & control; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016207:Cytokines; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D006133:Growth Substances; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase