Effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on laryngeal wound healing in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
Study the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on laryngeal wound healing in a rabbit model.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, blinded.


METHODS
The anterior cricoid cartilage of 10 rabbits was split and a VEGF-soaked collagen sponge was sewn between the cut edges. In 10 control animals, the collagen sponge was soaked with phosphate-buffered saline solution. The larynx was harvested on day 10. The degree of epithelial closure, the degree of soft tissue closure, and the presence of inflammatory cells was graded.


RESULTS
There was complete epithelial closure in the control group. There was a slightly higher, but not statistically significant, grade of soft tissue closure in the experimental group. The experimental group had a lower but not statistically significant acute inflammatory response score.


CONCLUSIONS
The topical application of VEGF through an implanted collagen sponge to an anterior, subglottic incision in a rabbit has no significant effect on tracheal luminal epithelial closure, acute inflammatory response, or soft tissue repair at postsurgical day 10.
Schroeder
James W
JW
Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. jschroeder@childrensmemorial.org
Rastatter
Jeffrey C
JC
Walner
David L
DL
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004343:Drug Implants; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D015503:Surgical Sponges; D013997:Time Factors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D004343:Drug Implants; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D003094:Collagen