Angiogenic therapy for the chronically ischemic lower limb in a rabbit model

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Vascular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Ischemic conditions impair limb circulation, necessitating therapeutic strategies for neovascularization.
• Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a potential agent for promoting new blood vessel formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in neovascularization after arterial ligation.
• To determine the optimal dosage of bFGF for promoting angiogenesis and collateral circulation.

Main Methods:

• Progressive femoral artery occlusion was induced in rabbits using an Ameroid constrictor.
• Rabbits received intravenous injections of vehicle or varying doses of bFGF (3, 10, or 16 microg/kg/day) for 3 days.
• Neovascularization was assessed using transcutaneous oximetry (TCPO(2)), angiography, and capillary density measurements.

Main Results:

• Moderate bFGF doses (3 and 10 microg/kg/day) significantly increased TCPO(2) and capillary density compared to vehicle and high-dose groups.
• Angiography revealed a higher number of vessels in moderate bFGF groups, indicating enhanced collateral formation.
• High-dose bFGF (16 microg/kg/day) resulted in lower TCPO(2) values and potentially inhibited neovascularization.

Conclusions:

• bFGF treatment demonstrated no adverse hemodynamic effects.
• Moderate doses of bFGF effectively promote angiogenesis and improve circulation, with sustained effects.
• High doses of bFGF may have an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis and collateral circulation development.