Journal of vascular surgery
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Comparative Study
Controlled delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor promotes neovascularization and maintains limb function in a rabbit model of ischemia.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) modulates new blood vessel development and growth and has been suggested as a potential therapeutic agent that could alleviate debilitating claudication in patients. The objective of this study was to determine whether controlled, local delivery of a low dose of VEGF from an osmotic pump could promote neovascularization, limb perfusion, and functional improvements in the hind limbs of rabbits rendered partially ischemic by surgery. The effects of VEGF were compared with those of the vasodilator nitroglycerin (NTG) and to saline administered similarly. ⋯ Controlled release of microgram quantities of VEGF significantly enhanced neovascularization and vascular perfusion in ischemic limbs compared with controls in this rabbit model of partial ischemia. In addition, VEGF-treated ischemic limbs demonstrated near-normal function and appearance, whereas NTG- and saline-treated ischemic controls remained noticeably impaired. This novel approach of VEGF delivery may prove clinically useful either alone or combined with revascularization procedures.