[Effects of connective tissue growth factor on angiogenesis of random skin flaps in rats]

To investigate the effects of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on angiogenensis of random skin flaps in rats.

Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into three CTGF groups (rCTGF 120 ng, rCTGF 160 ng, rCTGF 200 ng) and one control group. Ischemic random dorsal skin flaps (2 cm x 8 cm) were constructed on the backs of the rats. In the CTGF groups, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was injected subcutaneously to the rats in the skin flaps at the time of surgery. The same volume of 0.9% NaCl solution was injected to the rats in the control group. Ten days later, the amount of viable tissues within the flaps were examined by planimetry. Specimens from the random skin flaps were harvested for immunohistological and HE staining to examine the microvascular growth.

The immunohistochemical staining and HE staining revealed that the three CTGF groups had more vessels than the control group (21.00 +/- 3.423, 27.38 +/- 3.114 and 37.38 +/- 3.583 vs. 13.88 +/- 1.959, P < 0.05). Similar results were found in the middle parts of the skin flaps (15.50 +/- 2.777, 24.63 +/- 3.335 and 28.63 +/- 4.984 vs. 9.50 +/- 1.927, P < 0.05).

CTGF may enhance the survival of skin flaps in a dose-dependent manner, which is associated with an increase in angiogenesis of skin flaps.