A single local application of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor accelerates initial angiogenesis...

Local angiogenic therapy with recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rhbFGF) has been used to promote wound healing. To obtain useful information for the development of optimal angiogenic therapy, we chronologically evaluated the effects of a single local application of rhbFGF on angiogenesis in a rabbit ear chamber model of wound healing by observing the subcutaneous vessel bed intravitally. New vessel formation during wound healing was macroscopically and microscopically evaluated for 5 wk. Each rabbit ear chamber received a single dose of 6 microg rhbFGF (treatment B1: n = 13), 18 microg rhbFGF (treatment B2: n = 16), or physiological saline as control (n = 13). At 1 wk the newly vascularized area was significantly larger in groups B1 and B2 than in control. At 2 wk, the vascularized areas in groups B1, B2, and control were similar. At 5 wk, the percentage of rabbits with complete vascularization was significantly larger in group B1 than in control. Capillary density at 5 wk was similar among the three groups. These results suggest that locally applied rhbFGF accelerated angiogenesis during early wound healing in rabbits; however, this effect was transient and no increase in capillary density occurred at the completion of vascularization.