In vitro evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-eluting stents.
BACKGROUND
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a specific endothelial cell mitogen. It promotes re-endothelialisation of the damaged vessel surface seen after stenting. Stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis are partly related to endothelial denudation caused by stent implantation. We propose using hydrocarbon polymer-coated stents immersed in VEGF to speed re-endothelialisation and reduce the risk of stent thrombosis and restenosis.


METHODS
Stents (3 x 20 mm) were immersed in VEGF solutions and maximal VEGF absorption calculated. VEGF release from these stents was measured in a perfusion circuit. Delivery of VEGF to arterial wall was measured. Sterile VEGF-loaded stents were cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells.


RESULTS
18.5 +/- 4.1 microg VEGF was absorbed, 80% of which was released over 9 days; 11 +/- 6.8% of the initial VEGF loaded was delivered to the vessel wall. Cells exposed to VEGF-eluting stents showed an 11% increase in growth relative to controls.


CONCLUSIONS
VEGF may be a candidate for stent-based delivery and may increase the rate of endothelialisation in vivo.
Swanson
Neil
N
University of Leicester, Cardiology Clinical Sciences, Glenfield Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK. ns56@le.ac.uk
Hogrefe
Kai
K
Javed
Qamar
Q
Gershlick
Anthony H
AH
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D023921:Coronary Stenosis; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000254:growth & development; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D015607:Stents; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A