骨形态发生蛋白-2腺病毒表达载体在成骨过程中与血管内皮细胞生长因子关系

[目的]探讨骨形态发生蛋白-2腺病毒表达载体(A recombinant adenoviral vector carrying the human BMP-2 gene,Ad-BMP-2)在成骨过程中和血管内皮细胞生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)相互关系。[方法]应用人骨形态发生蛋白-2腺病毒载体体外感染兔骨髓间质干细胞(bone marrow stem cells,BMSC),感染后观察BMP-2、VEGF和碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)表达及钙结节形成。同时将30μl Ad-BMP-2行裸鼠左后肢肌组织内注射,术后20 d取材,免疫组化和原位杂交法观察BMP-2与VEGF体内表达情况。30μlβ半乳糖苷酶腺病毒载体(Adβgal)右后肢肌内注射作为对照。[结果]BMSC被Ad-BMP-2感染后,向成骨细胞分化,上调VEGF的表达。在体内成骨过程中,BMP-2在软骨细胞、成骨细胞和再生骨组织周围单核细胞表达阳性,VEGF在软骨细胞、成骨细胞和血管内皮细胞均表达阳性。[结论]BMP-2和VEGF两者协调一致,互为促进,完成了骨组织的发生。     

BMP-2重组腺病毒转染肌源细胞体内外成骨的实验研究

目的探讨经重组腺病毒(Ad—BMP-2)转染的肌源细胞(muscle—derived cells)可否表达骨形成发生蛋白-2(BMP-2)及其体内外的成骨作用．方法Ad—BMP-2在体外转染肌源细胞后回植体内，观察其转归及成骨活性一结果经Ad—BMP-2转染的肌源细胞中有BMP-2的表达，该细胞中有碱性磷酸酶、培养基中有骨钙素的存在，细胞植入体内后可诱导成骨。结论经Ad—BMP-2转染的肌源细胞在生物体内外均具有骨诱导活性.     

腺病毒介导的骨形态发生蛋白2基因转染对成骨及血管化的影响

目的 观察骨形态发生蛋白2(BMP-2)基因转染人骨髓基质干细胞(hBMSC)对诱导成骨及血管化的影响，方法 基因转染后，检则骨钙素、Ⅰ型胶原和血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达。并利用转染后的培养液上清诱导小鼠成纤维细胞(L929)。然后将转染后细胞接种到PLA／PCL(聚乳酸／聚己内酯)支架上，然后扫描电镜观察。结果 BMP-2基因转染后，可诱导hBMSC有L929骨钙索、Ⅰ型胶原呈阳性表达，VEGF的表达明显增高。转染细胞在支架中上生长良好，能量谱仪测得钙质分泌。蛋白印迹法检测到培养液中有BMP-2蛋白产生。结论 BMP-2基因转染可诱导hBMSC成骨转化，且通过上调VEGF表达促进血管化，复合转染后细胞构建的组织工程骨对治疗骨缺损具有重要意义。     

肿瘤坏死因子-α和骨形态发生蛋白-2诱导成纤维细胞表达成骨表型的协同作用机制

目的:探讨肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和骨形态发生蛋白-2(BMP-2)诱导成纤维细胞表达成骨表型的可能机制。方法:分离、纯化人真皮成纤维细胞,使其生长在分别含一定浓度的TNF-α、BMP-2和TNF-α与BMP-2联合培养液的干预条件下,采用MTT和RT-PCR技术,检测成纤维细胞增殖和C-myc、BMP-2、BMP-4mRNA表达状况的变化。结果:单独应用TNF-α和联合应用TNF-α与BMP-2可刺激成纤维细胞增殖;TNF-α诱导成纤维细胞表达C-myc mRNA和BMP-2 mRNA;TNF-α与BMP-2联合应用可诱导成纤维细胞表达BMP-4 mRNA。结论:TNF-α可诱导成纤维细胞转化,并赋予其新的生物特征;外源性BMP-2和内源性BMP-2、BMP-4的协同效应是成纤维细胞表达成骨表型的机制之一。     

血管内皮生长因子在骨形态发生蛋白-2诱导成骨过程中的表达

目的探讨血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）在骨形态发生蛋白-2（BMP-2）诱导成骨过程中的表达。方法采用昆明鼠20只，外科手术建立股部肌袋诱导成骨模型，以左侧为实验组，右侧为对照组。实验组肌袋内植入以明胶和羟基磷灰石复合物为载体的重组人骨形态发生蛋白（rh-BMP）-20．25mg；对照组仅植入空白载体。分别于术后3、7、14和21d取材，采用免疫组织化学和Western blot法检测VEGF的表达情况。结果术后3d可见大量问充质细胞聚集，胞质出现VEGF的表达（Western blot IA=4221．323±178．672），但随着间充质细胞分化为前软骨细胞并不断成熟，VEGF在间充质细胞内的表达逐渐消失，而在成软骨细胞和软骨细胞内的表达水平迅速提高（Western blot IA=7139．558±289．347），VEGF在成熟软骨细胞中的表达最为活跃（Western blot IA=15849．848±137．462），至到新骨形成，在成骨细胞和骨细胞中仍可检测到VEGF的强烈表达（Westernbid IA=9463．268±548．453）；而对照组则未检测到VEGF的表达。结论VEGF的表达贯穿BMP-2诱导成骨的全过程，并在成熟软骨细胞和成骨细胞呈现强烈表达；BMP-2具有促进VEGF合成与分泌的作用．rhBMP-2对成骨细胞VEGF表达的促进作用。     

复合骨在兔腰椎融合过程中相关基因表达调控的影响

目的 观察复合骨即重组人骨形态发生蛋白-2(rhBMP-2)/异体骨不同时间点融合骨组织中BMP-2、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达.方法 将新西兰大白兔60只随机分为3组,在L5、L6横突间行后路植骨融合术,分别植入复合骨条、自体骨条及异体骨条,于术后第1、2、3、4、5周取融合标本,用实时荧光定量逆转录聚合酶链反应(real time RT-PCR)分析内源性BMP-2和VEGF基因水平的变化.结果 术后第3周,复合骨组BMP-2为(5.3519±1.0384),VEGF为(0.9257±0.2534),均达到峰值且高于异体骨组和自体骨组(P<0.05),之后则缓慢下降.第4周后,内源性BMP-2表达仍保持较高水平,但VEGF的水平与自体骨组和异体骨组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 复合骨能有效地诱导内源性BMP-2和VEGF的表达,促进了成骨效应.     

不同状态BMP-2对体外EMSCs成骨分化的作用

[目的]探讨骨形成蛋白(BMP-2)与组织型谷氨酰胺转氨酶(tTG, TG2)交联形成固化型和BMP-2游离型细胞生长因子,两种不同状态的BMP-2对鼻粘膜间充质干细胞(EMSCs)向成骨细胞分化的影响;[方法]体外培养、扩增并鉴定EMSCs;实验分四组:TG2+BMP-2、BMP-2、TG2和空白对照;四组细胞均采用定向成骨诱导培养基培养7 d;检测各组碱性磷酸酶活性及形成的钙结节面积大小;免疫印迹法检测成骨诱导相关蛋白表达水平;MTT法检测TG2、BMP-2和TG2+BMP-2对EMSCs增殖的影响。[结果]成骨诱导7 d后,TG2+BMP-2组细胞碱性磷酸酶活性较高,形成的钙结节较大,骨相关蛋白表达水平较高;TG2+BMP-2,TG2和BMP-2对EMSCs增殖能力无明显影响。[结论] TG2+BMP-2交联固化型细胞生长因子对EMSCs向成骨细胞分化表现出较强的促进作用,是组织工程化骨中理想的诱导成骨的细胞因子,具有广阔的应用前景。     

血管内皮生长因子和骨形态发生蛋白-2在糖尿病病人骨组织内表达水平的研究

目的 探讨血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF）、骨形态发生蛋白-2（bone morphogenetic protein-2, BMP-2）在糖尿病病人胫骨组织内的表达水平。方法 在胫骨高位截骨术中,分别获取糖尿病病人（8例）和非糖尿病病人（8例）术部骨组织,从骨组织中提取总蛋白及RNA,用Western blot、RT-PCR检测骨组织中VEGF、BMP-2的表达水平。结果 糖尿病病人骨组织中VEGF、BMP-2蛋白和mRNA表达水平均明显低于非糖尿病病人。结论 糖尿病病人骨组织中VEGF、BMP-2因子表达低于正常水平,VEGF、BMP-2因子可能是影响糖尿病病人骨质及骨愈合的重要因素之一。     

复合基因重组人骨形成蛋白-2异种骨的研制及成骨活性研究

目的　研制新型具有诱导成骨活性的异种骨植骨材料。方法　在重组合异种骨 (RBX)基础上 ,以基因重组人骨形成蛋白 - 2 (rh BMP- 2 )取代从牛皮质骨中提取的牛 BMP,与去抗原牛松质骨载体 (BCB)复合 ,制成复合 rh BMP- 2的异种骨 (rh BMP- 2 / BCB) ;将 4周龄雄性 BAL B/ C小鼠 6 0只 ,随机分为实验组和对照组 ,于实验组小鼠左股部肌袋植入 rh BMP- 2 / BCB骨粒 ,对照组小鼠左股部肌袋植入 BCB骨粒 ,术后 7、14及 2 1天取材 ,通过组织学、骨计量学方法检测 rh BMP- 2 / BCB的诱导成骨活性。结果　 1实验组术后 7天在小鼠肌袋可诱导软骨生成 ,14天形成编织骨 ,2 1天改建成板层骨并形成大量骨髓 ;对照组于术后各时间点均未见有软骨及骨形成。 2实验组的碱性磷酸酶活性和钙含量均高于对照组 ,具有统计学意义 (P<0 .0 1)。结论　 rh BMP- 2 / BCB具有较好的骨诱导能力 ,是一种较理想的植骨材料     

骨形成蛋白2基因修饰的老年大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化能力的研究

目的观察年龄因素对骨髓间充质干细胞(marrow mesenchymal stem cells, MSCs)成骨分化能力的影响;了解基因治疗对老年大鼠MSCs成骨分化能力的影响. 方法 1月龄(幼年组)、9月龄(成年组)及24月龄(老年组)雄性Wistar大鼠各6只,取MSCs经体外分离、培养及携带骨形成蛋白2(bone morphogenetic protein 2,BMP-2)基因的腺病毒载体(Ad-BMP-2)转染后,定量检测BMP-2、碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphate,ALP)表达,以及成骨细胞标志性蛋白:Ⅰ型胶原、骨涎蛋白(bone sialoprotein,BSP)和骨桥素(osteopontin, OPN)的表达.将转染的各组MSCs分别与磷酸三钙(tricalcium phosphate, TCP)复合后植入裸鼠体内,3周后取材,比较各组诱导异位成骨能力. 结果 ELISA检测表明BMP-2基因修饰的MSCs可以有效表达BMP-2,且表达量在各年龄组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);各组ALP于诱导后第9天达高峰,但组间差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05);诱导后第7天,RT-PCR半定量检测示各组均有成骨细胞特征性蛋白,即:Ⅰ型胶原、OPN及BSP的明显表达,表达量在各组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);BMP-2基因转染的MSCs与TCP复合后可诱导裸鼠体内异位成骨,各组成骨量差异无统计学意义(P>0.05). 结论 BMP-2基因修饰的老年大鼠MSCs可以恢复成骨分化能力,基因治疗可能为老年性骨骼疾病提供一种新的治疗途径.     

Localization of bone morphogenetic protein-2 in human osteoarthritic cartilage and osteophyte

OBJECTIVES: To examine the localization of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 mRNA and protein in human osteoarthritic (OA) articular cartilage and osteophyte. DESIGN: Five normal, four growing and 14 OA human cartilage samples, graded histomorphologically by Mankin Score, were studied by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for the expression of BMP-2. RESULTS: BMP-2 mRNA was present in chondrocytes in neonatal growing articular cartilage, but was scarcely present in normal adult articular cartilage. In OA articular cartilage, BMP-2 mRNA and protein were detected in both clustering and individual chondrocytes in moderately or severely damaged OA cartilage. In moderately damaged OA cartilage, BMP-2 mRNA was localized in both upper and middle zone chondrocytes, but was not detected in deep layer chondrocytes. In severely damaged OA cartilage, cellular localization of BMP-2 mRNA was extended to the deep zone. In the area of osteophyte formation, BMP-2 mRNA was intensely localized in fibroblastic mesenchymal cells, fibrochondrocytes, chondrocytes and osteoblasts in newly formed osteophytic tissue. The pattern of BMP-2/4 immunolocalization was associated with that of mRNA localization. CONCLUSIONS: BMP-2 mRNA and BMP-2/4 were detected in cells appearing in OA tissues. BMP-2 was localized in cells of degenerating cartilage as well as osteophytic tissue. Given the negative localization of BMP-2 in normal adult articular cartilage, BMP-2 might be involved in the regenerating and anabolic activities of OA cells, which respond to cartilage damage occurring in osteoarthritis.     

Caspase-3在间质干细胞分化过程中的基因芯片分析及体外作用

目的 观察Caspase-3在小鼠胚胎肢芽间质干细胞分化过程中的作用,并将其运用于体外间质干细胞模型中进行验证.方法 用基因芯片技术检测Caspase-3在小鼠胚胎肢芽间质干细胞分化过程中的基因表达,分析其表达规律和可能作用;Yg用Caspase-3活性检测试剂盒,荧光比色法和Western blot法检测体外培养的骨髓间质干细胞诱导失巢凋亡中Caspme-3活性的改变;借助流式细胞仪分析骨髓间质干细胞凋亡的变化.结果 Caspase-3在小鼠胚胎肢芽间质干细胞向软骨分化的关键期(E12)出现显著的表达下调;Caspase-3的活性以及蛋白表达水平随诱导凋亡时间的延长而明显升高,且与细胞凋亡率相关.结论 Caspase-3蛋白在体内和体外诱导间质干细胞凋亡的过程中均发挥着重要作用;胚胎发育过程中,通过下调Caspase-3的表达以促进软骨形成,而抑制Caspase-3的活性可以有效降低细胞凋亡率.     

Temporal and spatial expression of bone morphogenetic proteins in extracorporeal shock wave-promoted healing of segmental defect

Extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) is a noninvasive acoustic wave, which has recently been demonstrated to promote bone repair. The actual healing mechanism triggered by ESW has not yet been identified. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) have been implicated as playing an important role in bone development and fracture healing. In this study, we aimed to examine the involvement of BMP-2, BMP-3, BMP-4, and BMP-7 expression in ESW promotion of fracture healing. Rats with a 5-mm segmental femoral defect were given ESW treatment using 500 impulses at 0.16 mJ/mm(2). Femurs and calluses were subjected to immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR assay 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after treatment. Histological observation demonstrated that fractured femurs received ESW treatment underwent intensive mesenchymal cell aggregation, hypertrophic chondrogenesis, and endochondral/intramembrane ossification, resulting in the healing of segmental defect. Aggregated mesenchymal cells at the defect, chondrocytes at the hypertrophic cartilage, and osteoblasts adjunct to newly formed woven bone showed intensive proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression. ESW treatment significantly promoted BMP-2, BMP-3, BMP-4, and BMP-7 mRNA expression of callus as determined by RT-PCR, and BMP immunoreactivity appeared throughout the bone regeneration period. Mesenchymal cells and immature chondrocytes showed intensive BMP-2, BMP-3, and BMP-4 immunoreactivity. BMP-7 expression was evident on osteoblasts located at endochondral ossification junction. Our findings suggest that BMP play an important role in signaling ESW-activated cell proliferation and bone regeneration of segmental defect.     

成纤维细胞生长因子在软骨发育过程中的基因芯片分析及相关研究

目的 检测并分析促分裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)信号通路中成纤维细胞生长因子(FGF)在软骨发育过程中的基因表达规律;通过细胞培养观察FGF基因对骨髓基质干细胞(BMSCs)生长特性的影响. 方法用基因芯片技术建立妊娠胎鼠肢芽软骨发育过程的基因表达谱,分析MAPK信号通路中碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(brGF)在软骨发育过程中的基因表达规律.构建bFGF质粒并转染至培养的BMSCs中,用MTT法、免疫组织化学、HE染色、RT-PCR及酶联免疫吸附法检测bFGF基因转染BMSCs的效果及产物表达. 结果 MAPK信号通路中的FGF在软骨发育过程中的软骨形成关键期表达显著上调,并启动MAPK信号通路,促进软骨形成.bFGF基因转染的BMSCs生长活力较强,可以保持2周以上;HE染色显示细胞增殖旺盛,胞核深染;RT-PCR表明有bFGF的基因表达;酶联免疫吸附法检测bFGF表达量高. 结论 FGF能够启动MAPK信号通路从而促进软骨彤成.bFGF质粒转染BMSCs后可促进BMSCs的增殖,细胞有向软骨细胞分化趋势.     

Involvement of BMP-2 signaling in a cartilage cap in osteochondroma.

This study describes the distributions of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 as well as mRNAs for BMP receptor type IB (BMPRIB). collagen types II (Col II) and III (Col III) in a growing "cartilage cap" of osteochondroma. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical study were performed using histological sections obtained during surgery. BMP-2 was detected in mesenchymal cells in the outer fibrous layer and chondrocytes in the inner cartilaginous matrix, positive for Col III and Col II, respectively. BMPRIB mRNA was distributed in chondrocytes. This is the first study to provide observational evidence of the involvement of BMP-2 signaling in the pathogenesis of cartilage cap of osteochondroma. and suggests the role of BMP-2 in the growth of cartilage cap in osteochondroma.     

Mechanical tension-stress induces expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and BMP-4, but not BMP-6, BMP-7, and GDF-5 mRNA, during distraction osteogenesis.

Bone lengthening with osteotomy and gradual distraction was achieved in 57 rats, and the effect of mechanical tension-stress on gene expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) was investigated by in situ hybridization and Northern blot analysis using probes of BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, BMP-7, and growth/differentiation factor (GDF)-5. There was a lag phase for 7 days after femoral osteotomy until gradual distraction was carried out for 21 days at a rate of 0. 25 mm/12 h using a small external fixator. The signals of the above BMPs mRNA were not detected in the intact rat bone but they were induced after osteotomy except those for BMP-7. By 4 days after osteotomy, BMP-2 and BMP-4 mRNAs were detected in chondrogenic precursor cells in the subperiosteal immature callus. BMP-6 and GDF-5 mRNA were detected in more differentiated cells in chondroid bone. By 7 days after osteotomy, cartilaginous external callus and bony endosteal callus were formed. Meanwhile, the signals of BMP-2 and BMP-4 mRNAs declined to preoperative levels, whereas the signals of BMP-6 and GDF-5 mRNAs were rather elevated. As distraction was started, the callus elongated and eventually separated into proximal and distal segments forming a fibrous interzone in the middle. Expression of BMP-2 and BMP-4 mRNAs was markedly induced at this stage. Their signals were detected widely among chondrogenic and osteogenic cells and their precursor cells sustaining mechanical tension-stress at the fibrous interzone. BMP-6 and GDF-5 mRNAs were detected exclusively in chondrogenic cells at both ends of the fibrous interzone, where endochondral ossification occurred. But neither mRNA was detected in terminally differentiated hypertrophic chondrocytes. As distraction advanced, the cartilage was progressively resorbed from both ends and new bone was formed directly by intramembranous ossification. There was no new cartilage formation in the advanced stage of distraction. The signals of BMP-6 and GDF-5 mRNA declined by this stage, while those of BMP-2 and BMP-4 were maintained at high level for as long as distraction was continued. After completion of distraction, the fibrous interzone fused and the lengthened segment was consolidated. BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, nor GDF-5 was expressed at this stage. The signals of BMP-7 were not detected throughout the experiment. The present results suggest that excellent and uninterrupted bone formation during distraction osteogenesis owes to enhanced expression of BMP-2 and BMP-4 genes by mechanical tension-stress. Abundant gene products of BMP-2 and BMP-4 could induce in situ bone formation by paracrine and autocrine mechanisms.     

VEGF and VEGF receptors are differentially expressed in chondrocytes

During long bone development, cartilage replacement by bone is governed in part by angiogenesis. Although it has been demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is crucial during endochondral ossification, little is known about the involvement of the other VEGF family members. Thus, we examined the expression and production of these members on primary chondrocytes and ATDC5 chondrogenic cells. VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C and VEGF-D were shown to be expressed and synthesized demonstrating that numerous angiogenic factors can be produced by chondrocytes. In ATDC5 VEGF-A, VEGF-B and VEGF-C were over-expressed in the presence of chondrogenic and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 treatment suggesting that these factors play an important role during chondrogenesis. In addition, neuropilin-1, VEGF receptor-2 and VEGF receptor-3 gene expression were observed with an increase in VEGF-R2 expression under chondrogenic and BMP-2 treatment, suggesting that VEGF proteins could act in an autocrine/paracrine manner in addition to their angiogenic function. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that chondrocytes secreted the four members of the VEGF family. We also showed that VEGF-B, VEGF-C and VEGF-D were secreted as processed proteins. The up-regulation of VEGF-B and VEGF-C at the mRNA and protein levels under chondrogenic stimulation strongly suggests a major role for these proteins in growth plate physiology.     

BMP-2 induces the expression of chondrocyte-specific genes in bovine synovium-derived progenitor cells cultured in three-dimensional alginate hydrogel

OBJECTIVE: According to recent reports, the synovial membrane may contain mesenchymal stem cells with the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes under appropriate conditions. In order to assess the usefulness of synovium-derived progenitor cells for the purposes of cartilage tissue engineering, we explored their requirements for the expression of chondrocyte-specific genes after expansion in vitro. DESIGN: Mesenchymal progenitor cells were isolated from the synovial membranes of bovine shoulder joints and expanded in two-dimensions on plastic surfaces. They were then seeded either as micromass cultures or as single cells within alginate gels, which were cultured in serum-free medium. Under these three-dimensional conditions, chondrogenesis is known to be supported and maintained. Cell cultures were exposed either to bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) or to isoforms of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). The levels of mRNA for Sox9, collagen types I and II and aggrecan were determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: When transferred to alginate gel cultures, the fibroblast-like synovial cells assumed a rounded form. BMP-2, but not isoforms of TGF-beta, stimulated, in a dose-dependent manner, the production of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for Sox9, type II collagen and aggrecan. Under optimal conditions, the expression levels of cartilage-specific genes were comparable to those within cultured articular cartilage chondrocytes. However, in contrast to cultured articular cartilage chondrocytes, synovial cells exposed to BMP-2 continued to express the mRNA for alpha1(I) collagen. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that bovine synovium-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells can be induced to express chondrocyte-specific genes. However, the differentiation process is not complete under the chosen conditions. The stimulation conditions required for full transformation must now be delineated.     

Expression of VEGF isoforms by epiphyseal chondrocytes during low-oxygen tension is HIF-1 alpha dependent

OBJECTIVE: To establish the role of hypoxia and HIF-1 alpha for VEGF expression of murine epiphyseal chondrocytes. To analyze the effect of hypoxia on VEGF isoform expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VEGF mRNA and VEGF isoform expression was investigated in epiphyses of murine newborns by in situ hybridization and real-time PCR. Further, epiphyseal chondrocytes were isolated from newborn mice with homozygous flanking of the HIF-1 alpha gene with lox-P sites. HIF-1 alpha was deleted by infection with adenovirus containing cre-recombinase. After chondrocytes reached confluency they were exposed to 0.5% or 20% oxygen, respectively. Total VEGF and VEGF isoform mRNA expression levels were measured by real-time PCR. Secreted VEGF protein was determined by ELISA. RESULTS: VEGF mRNA signals were detected in the hypertrophic zone and in the center of the proliferative zone of the murine epiphysis, which is considered to be hypoxic. Real-time PCR revealed that VEGF(120)is the dominant isoform in vivo. In cultured epiphyseal chondrocytes strongly increased VEGF gene expression levels were detected after exposure to hypoxia. Furthermore, secretion of VEGF protein was significantly enhanced under 0.5% oxygen. Remarkably, functional inactivation of HIF-1 alpha abolished the hypoxic increase of VEGF expression in chondrocytes completely. Furthermore, the soluble isoforms VEGF(120)and VEGF(164)are the most abundantly expressed splice variants in chondrocytes exposed to low oxygen levels. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented here clearly indicate that hypoxia is able to induce the synthesis of soluble VEGF isoforms by epiphyseal chondrocytes, most likely through stabilization of HIF-1 alpha. Thus it can be speculated that HIF-1 alpha is an essential prerequisite for hypoxic VEGF synthesis in the epiphysis, thereby contributing to the formation and invasion of blood vessels in long bone development.