Differential effects of vascular endothelial growth factor on joint formation during limb development.
During skeletal development the proliferating chondrocytes choose between two fates: to differentiate into prejoint cells or undergo hypertrophy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) participates in endochondral ossification, but it is unknown whether it has a role in joint development. We evaluated the VEGF effects on joints, implanting VEGF-beads in the presumptive limb joints of chick embryos. The wrist and elbow showed partial and complete fusions. Using the model of ectopic digits induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), VEGF inhibited joint formation when it was applied after TGF-beta. These data suggest differential effects of VEGF on different joints during development.
Cortina-Ramírez
Gloria Emelí
GE
Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, Mexico.
Chimal-Monroy
Jesús
J
D000818:Animals; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D002642:Chick Embryo; D005121:Extremities / Q000196:embryology*; D055428:Growth Differentiation Factor 5; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007596:Joints / Q000201:enzymology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000502:physiology*
D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D055428:Growth Differentiation Factor 5; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A