title: In vitro evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-eluting stents.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Leicester, Cardiology Clinical Sciences, Glenfield Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK. ns56@le.ac.uk
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Swanson
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hogrefe
authors.forename: Qamar
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Javed
authors.forename: Anthony H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Gershlick
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A