[Preliminary research of endothelial growth stimulation of 125I-vascular endothelial growth factor-coated artificial vascular patch].

Objective: To explore whether 125I-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-coated artificial vascular patch accelerate the vessel endothelialization and inhibit thrombosis.
Methods: Ten adult male New Zealand rabbits (weighing 2.5-3.0 kg) were allocated into experimental group (n=5) and control group (n=5). In experimental group, the right common jugular vein was exposed for vascular clamping between proximal location and distal location, and then a 10 mm x 5 mm 125I-VEGF-coated artificial vascular patch was implanted into the right common jugular vein and sutured with 8-0 thread. In control group, the artificial vascular patch was implanted. After 2 weeks, the vein specimens were collected to measure the residues of 125I-VEGF by gamma-ray counter. HE staining and immunohistochemical staining for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and CD34 were performed. The vascular endothelial cells were counted and the intimal thickness was measured.
Results: The gamma-ray counter showed the residues of 125I-VEGF in experimental group was (427.5 +/- 194.9) CPM after 2 weeks, equivalent to 2.0% +/- 0.8% of the preoperative value. Thrombosis formed in 2 rabbits of control group; no thrombosis formed in experimental group. There was significant difference in the intimal thickness [(41.1 +/- 6.6) microm vs. (49.0 +/- 6.9) microm, P < 0.05]; but no significant difference in the vascular endothelial cells count between experimental group and control group (60.0 +/- 6.8 vs. 58.0 +/- 5.7, P > 0.05).
Conclusion: 125I-VEGF-coated artificial vascular patch can reduce thrombosis and inhibit intimal proliferation at the acute phase. A consecutive line of endothelial cells can form after implantation of patch in the rabbit jugular vein, however, the function of endothelial cells may be premature.