血管内皮生长因子基因沉默抑制人胶质瘤裸鼠移植瘤生长及血管生成的研究

目的 观察靶向血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的短发夹RNA(shRNA)对裸鼠人脑胶质瘤中VEGF基因表达的抑制作用.方法 体外培养人脑胶质瘤U251细胞株,建立人脑胶质瘤裸鼠皮下接种模型.将成功造模的30只裸鼠随机分为A、B、C 3组(每组10只),分别给予不同处理.观察肿瘤生长.免疫组织化学检测瘤组织中VEGF蛋白表达及组织内的微血管密度(MVD)改变.结果 治疗5周后,VEGF shRNA组(A组)的肿瘤体积为654.0 mm~3、抑瘤率达65.2%,与空质粒组(B组)1790.4 mm~3、4.7%或PBS组(C组)1880.3 mm~3、0%比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).A组荷瘤组织中VEGF和MVD分别为9.52、22.02,与B组17.18、43.58或C组17.82、45.32比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).VEGF蛋白表达与MVD间存在正相关性(r=0.721,P<0.01).结论 应用RNAi技术沉默VEGF基因能明显抑制人脑胶质瘤细胞株U251裸小鼠移植瘤的生长.     

靶向抑制survivin基因对肝细胞癌血管生成的影响

目的研究靶向抑制survivin基因对肝细胞癌血管生成的影响,探讨survivin在血管生成中的作用机制。方法采用脂质体介导survivin ASODN体外转染人肝癌细胞株HepG2,Western blot检测细胞中survivin蛋白的表达;RT-PCR检测细胞中VEGF mRNA的表达;FCM检测细胞的凋亡率;利用皮下注射法建立人肝癌裸鼠皮下移植瘤模型;采用脂质体包裹survivin ASODN直接瘤内注射,观察其对移植瘤生长情况的影响;SABC法检测移植瘤组织MVD。结果400 nmol/L survivin ASODN转染可明显下调HepG2细胞survivin蛋白表达,但不影响VEGF mRNA表达;ASODN组HepG2细胞凋亡率显著高于空白对照组和SODN组(F=428.19,P<0.01);ASODN组瘤体生长速度较空白对照组和SODN组明显减慢(F=12.63,P<0.01);ASODN组瘤体重量较空白对照组和SODN组明显减轻(F=5.90,P<0.05);ASODN组MVD较空白对照组和SODN组明显降低(F=34.29,P<0.01)。结论survivin ASODN可以抑制人肝癌裸鼠移植瘤生长,其机理可能是诱导HepG2细胞自发性凋亡和抑制肿瘤血管生成。     

雷帕霉素在人肝癌裸鼠肝移植瘤血管形成和肿瘤进展中的作用

目的 探讨雷帕霉素(RPM)在人肝癌裸鼠肝移植瘤血管形成和肿瘤发展中的作用.方法 建立人肝癌裸鼠肝移植瘤模型,使用RPM、环孢素A(CsA)进行干预治疗,采用实时定量PCR法检测移植瘤血管内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF)mRNA的表达,免疫组织化学方法和图像分析技术检测移植瘤VEGF蛋白、增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)的表达和微血管密度(MVD),ELISA法检测外周血VEGF蛋白水平的变化.结果 (1)RPM、CsA和对照组移植瘤重量分别为(372±35)mg、(769±39)mg、(751±42)mg;RPM组移植瘤重量较对照组显著减少(P<0.01);CsA组和对照组比较无明显变化(P>0.05).(2)RPM组移植瘤VEGF mRNA、蛋白和PCNA的表达及外周血中VEGF蛋白水平较对照组显著下调(P<0.05),CsA组和对照组比较无明显差异(P>0.05).(3)RPM组移植瘤MVD较对照组显著减少(P<0.01);CsA组和对照组相比无明显变化(P>0.05).结论 RPM通过阻止肿瘤增殖,下调VEGF的表达,抑制肝癌血管形成和肿瘤进展.     

肝动脉结扎对转移性人肝癌裸鼠原位移植瘤乏氧的影响

目的 观察肝动脉结扎(HAL)对转移性人肝癌裸鼠原位移植瘤乏氧的影响.方法 采用24只BALB/C-nu/nu裸鼠,建立转移性人肝癌裸鼠原位移植模型;随机分为2组,A组于移植瘤术后2周进行HAL(n=12),B组假手术(Sham)作为对照(n=12).分别于干预术后2 d和4周各随机处死每组中6只荷瘤裸鼠,利用免疫组织化学显色(SP法)和Western blot检测移植瘤内哌莫硝唑(Pimonidazole)和缺氧诱导因子(HIF)-1α的阳性表达和染色强度,以及血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)蛋白水平和肿瘤组织微血管密度(MVD),并用肺连续切片法计数4周时荷瘤裸鼠肺转移灶.结果 与Sham组比较,HAL组移植瘤内Pimonidazole阳性细胞及HIF-1α表达水平在术后2 d显著增加(P<0.05),并且肿瘤组织和血清内VEGF水平[(922.5±59.3)比(349.6±46.5)ng/L,P<0.01]明显增加.术后4周,荷瘤裸鼠肺转移率较对照组增加(6/6比1/6,P<0.05),但此时乏氧细胞,VEGF表达和MVD则与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 HAL促进转移性人肝癌裸鼠原位移植瘤短期乏氧及VEGF表达,但不影响移植瘤长期乏氧效应.     

塞来昔布对裸鼠结肠癌移植瘤放疗增敏作用的机制研究

为探讨环氧化酶-2（COX-2）抑制剂塞来昔布对裸鼠结肠癌移植瘤放疗增敏作用的机制,本研究应用人结肠癌SW480细胞建立裸鼠移植瘤模型,并将32只裸鼠随机分为A组（对照组）、B组（塞来昔布组）、C组（放疗组）和D组（塞来昔布＋放疗组）,观察各组裸鼠结肠癌移植瘤的生长情况,并应用免疫组化法检测移植瘤组织中COX-2、8-catenin、血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）、CD34表达,并对CD34阳性血管进行计数,计算微血管密度（MVD）。结果显示,（1）干预30d后,B、C、D组移植瘤瘤体质量及体积均明显小于A组,P〈0．05;而D组移植瘤瘤体质量和体积明显小于B、C组,P〈0．05。（2）免疫组化检测显示,COX-2、β—catenin、VEGF及CD34在各组移植瘤组织中均呈阳性表达。B、c、D组COx-2、p—catenin、VEGF表达水平及MVD均明显低于A组,P〈0．05;而D组各指标明显低于B、c组,P〈0．05。（3）相关性分析显示,COX-2、VEGF、β-catenin及MVD,各指标两两之间均具有显著相关性,P〈O．05。结果表明,塞来昔布可能是通过抑制wnt信号通路来抑制肿瘤新生血管的生成,最终发挥放疗增敏作用。     

~(125)I粒子植入对人纤维肉瘤裸鼠皮下移植瘤微血管生成的影响

目的观察不同活度的125I粒子植入对人纤维肉瘤裸鼠移植瘤微血管生成的影响。方法建立人纤维肉瘤细胞HT-1080裸鼠皮下移植瘤模型24只,随机分4组,实验组A、B、C组分别植入单颗活度为14.8、22.2、29.6MBq的125I粒子,对照组D组植入单颗空源。15d后比较各实验组及对照组之间移植瘤大小,计算抑瘤率,观察移植瘤微血管结构的变化及血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)的表达,比较各组微血管密度(microvascular density,MVD)。结果粒子植入后15d,A、B、C、D组的肿瘤体积分别为:(879.32±54.90)mm3、(186.91±32.70)mm3、(122.01±34.72)mm3和(1302.71±62.39)mm3,各组差异均有统计学意义(F=844.21,P=0.000)。125I粒子对A、B、C组肿瘤体积抑制率分别为32.50%、85.65%和90.63%。与D组比较,实验组可见移植瘤细胞坏死,微血管不同程度减少,内皮细胞杀伤明显。4组VEGF表达阳性率分别为54.2%(13/24)、29.2%(7/24)、20.8%(5/24)、66.7%(16/24),A、D组间VEGF表达差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.784,P=0.376),B、C组的VEGF表达均显著低于D组,差异有统计学意义(χ2=6.762,P=0.009;χ2=10.243,P=0.001),A、C组与B组VEGF表达比较,差异均无统计学意义(χ2=3.086,P=0.079;χ2=0.444,P=0.505),A、C组比较,VEGF表达差异具有统计学意义(χ2=5.689,P=0.017)。4组MVD表达分别为(27.49±3.10)个、(10.27±3.57)个、(9.14±2.49)个、(30.15±4.26)个,差异具有统计学意义(F=253.22,P=0.000),A、D组间MVD表达差异无统计学意义(q=3.814,P0.05),但B、C组的MVD表达均显著低于D组,差异有统计学意义(q=28.502,P0.05;q=30.123,P0.05)。B、C组与A组表达MVD比较,差异有统计学意义(q=24.689,P0.05;q=26.309,P0.05),B、C组间比较差异无统计学意义(q=1.628,P0.05)。结论 125I粒子组织间植入对人纤维肉瘤微血管生成有显著抑制作用,粒子初始活度影响治疗效果。     

内皮抑素基因对ACHN RCC中VEGF和MVD表达的影响

目的：利用已构建的带有内皮抑素基因真核表达载体质粒（pSecES）导入裸鼠人肾癌细胞系肾细胞癌（ACHN RCC）中,研究内皮抑素基因对血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）和微血管密度（MVD）表达的影响.方法：将荷瘤裸鼠随机分为3组,每组8只.干预组每只裸鼠瘤内3点注射复合物100μl,内含30μl梭华-Sofasttm和30μg pSecES质粒;对照组每只裸鼠瘤内3点注射复合物100μl,内含30μl梭华-Sofasttm和30μg pcDNA3.1质粒;空白组每只裸鼠瘤内3点注射生理盐水100μl.各组每只裸鼠间隔3天注射1次,连续注射3次.接种后第34天处死裸鼠,取肿瘤组织按SP法进行免疫组织化学染色,检测MVD和VEGF的表达情况.结果：干预组ACHN RCC的生长较对照组和空白组明显受到抑制,干预组CD34标记的MVD的表达和VEGF的表达较对照组和空白组低.结论：内皮抑素基因导入可以抑制荷瘤裸鼠ACHN RCC的生长,而且MVD和VEGF在ACHNRCC的表达减少.     

环氧合酶2对胰腺癌新生血管生成的调节作用及其机制

目的　探讨环氧合酶 2 (COX 2 )在胰腺癌新生血管生成中的调节作用及其作用机制。方法　应用免疫组织化学染色研究人胰腺癌组织COX 2、血管内皮细胞生长因子 (VEGF)表达 ;同时标记肿瘤新生血管内皮细胞vWF和血管壁Ⅳ型胶原 ,计算肿瘤组织微血管密度 (MVD)。建立裸鼠胰腺癌细胞株PC 3移植瘤 ,观察选择性COX 2抑制剂Celebrex对肿瘤组织MVD的影响 ,并应用免疫组织化学染色和逆转录聚合酶链式反应 (RT PCR)研究裸鼠移植瘤组织VEGF表达变化。结果　COX 2在人胰腺癌组织中表达阳性率为 87 5 % ,VEGF阳性率为 5 8 3%。COX 2强阳性组MVD平均值显著高于COX 2弱阳性 +阴性组 ,P <0 0 1。VEGF阳性组MVD平均值高于VEGF阴性组 ,但无统计学差异 ,P >0 0 5 ;Pearson相关性检验结果表明COX 2与vWF和Ⅳ胶原标记的MVD均有明显的相关性 (相关系数分别为 0 5 99和 0 6 ) ,P <0 0 5。在裸鼠移植瘤的体内实验中 ,与对照组MVD(6 3 89± 13 6 7)相比 ,Celebrex处理组MVD为 32 2 5± 12 99,两者差异显著 ,P <0 0 1。免疫组织化学染色和RT PCR结果表明Celebrex处理组肿瘤组织VEGF表达较对照组明显下调。结论　COX 2与胰腺癌新生血管生成密切相关 ,其高表达促进了胰腺癌新生血管生成 ;可能作用机制是上调促血管生成因子VEGF     

人Ⅰ型前胶原基因反义寡核苷酸对人增生性瘢痕裸鼠移植模型胶原合成的作用

目的人Ⅰ型前胶原基因(ColⅠA1)反义寡核苷酸(antisense oligodeoxyneucleotide,ASODN)对体外培养的人增生性瘢痕成纤维细胞有抑制胶原合成作用,拟进一步探讨ColⅠA1 ASODN对裸鼠移植模型体内的人增生性瘢痕的胶原合成作用。方法 SPF级BALB/c-nunu品系6～8周龄雌性裸鼠60只,体重约20 g;取行瘢痕切除手术患者自愿捐赠的瘢痕组织块去表皮后,移植至裸鼠背部肩胛内侧皮下,每只裸鼠移植1块,制备人增生性瘢痕裸鼠移植模型。将58只成功制备模型的裸鼠根据处理方法不同,随机分成3组,于瘢痕移植2周根据分组行经皮穿刺瘢痕内注射。A组(n=20):5μL浓度为3 mmol/L ColⅠA1 ASODN、3μL脂质体、92μL Opti-MEMⅠ减血清培养基;B组(n=20):3μL脂质体、97μL Opti-MEMⅠ减血清培养基;C组(n=18):100μL Opti-MEMⅠ减血清培养基。实验最初2周每天注射1次,之后隔天1次,至实验取材。注射后2、4、6周,对存活裸鼠进行瘢痕硬度测量后,处死裸鼠取瘢痕组织行胶原染色组织学观察以及透射电镜观察;提取细胞总RNA后行RT-PCR测定ColⅠA1 mRNA相对含量;ELISA法行ColⅠA1蛋白定量分析。结果注射后6周内17只裸鼠死亡;共41只裸鼠40块瘢痕组织符合实验标准,纳入实验;A、B、C组各14、13、14只。注射后2周,3组间瘢痕硬度比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);4、6周时A组与B、C组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),B、C组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随时间延长,组织学观察示3组Ⅲ型胶原表达上升,A组最明显,Ⅰ型胶原排列规则。透射电镜观察示A组成纤维细胞退化,胶原纤维排列更趋于一致;B、C组胶原纤维排列也逐渐规则。注射后2、4周3组间ColⅠA1 mRNA和蛋白表达量比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);6周时A组与B、C组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),B、C组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 在人增生性瘢痕裸鼠移植模型的瘢痕内注射ColⅠA1 ASODN可抑制ColⅠA1 mRNA及Ⅰ型胶原表达,促进瘢痕组织成熟、软化,脂质体可促进该抑制效果。     

血管内皮生长因子反义核糖核酸对人肺癌的抗血管生成作用

目的探讨血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)反义RNA封闭内源性VEGF表达对人肺癌裸鼠皮下移植瘤血管生成的影响。方法采用30只裸鼠建立人肺癌皮下移植瘤模型,通过原位分子杂交法测定VEGFmRNA、免疫组织化学法测定VEGF表达和微血管密度计数,比较治疗组和空载组、对照组间的差异,研究以脂质体介导VEGF反义cDNA经局部多点注射封闭内源性VEGF表达的抗血管生成作用。结果治疗组肿瘤组织的VEGFmRNA阳性细胞数为(21.83±13.47)个/0.05mm2、VEGF蛋白阳性细胞数(20.76±15.69)个/0.05mm2、微血管密度计数(MVD)为(2.30±1.95)条/0.20mm2,与对照组、空载组的差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01),VEGF反义RNA治疗能够有效的封闭内源性VEGF的生成、使肿瘤组织微血管生成减少,实验结束时瘤体大小与对照组和空载组的差异均有统计学意义(P<0.001)。结论VEGF反义RNA治疗是一种有效的肿瘤抗血管生成基因治疗方法。     

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.     

VEGF特异2'-O-甲基化修饰siRNA抑制膀胱癌VEGF表达的实验研究

目的 研究VEGF特异性化学修饰RNA干扰对膀胱癌细胞增殖的影响.方法 针对VEGF构建siRNA表达载体PsilencerTM-VEGF-siRNA,为增加siRNA的稳定性,对VEGFsiRNA进行2'-O-甲基化化学修饰.通过Lipofectamine 2000将质粒转染到膀胱癌细胞,荧光显微镜观察siRNA转染效率,确定最佳时间点;分别采用Western Blot、RT-PCR检测VEGF蛋白含量及mRNA水平变化;MTT法检测细胞增殖率.结果 ①2'-O-甲基化化学修饰PsilencerTM-VEGF-siRNA表达载体构建成功;②脂质体与DNA最佳转染效率比例为:2μl∶1μg,48 h细胞存活状态最好;③48h转染效率在50％ ～ 60％,与对照组相比,转染PsilencerTM-VEGF-siRNA后蛋白及mRNA水平均下降;④MTT法检测显示:siRNA阳性对照组、VEGFsiRNA组与对照组相比,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 化学修饰的siRNA能够有效抑制膀胱癌中VEGF的表达,其稳定性增加,从而有效抑制膀胱癌细胞的生长.     

VEGF and VEGF Receptor Expression in Human Chronic Critical Limb Ischaemia

OBJECTIVE: This study quantified endogenous VEGF and VEGF receptor expression in limbs of patients with chronic critical limb ischaemia (CLI). METHODS: Skin and muscle biopsies were obtained from the legs of 25 patients undergoing limb amputation for CLI. Samples were obtained at the amputation level (thigh or calf) and, distally, from the foot and in the vicinity of ischaemic ulcers and gangrene. Control biopsies were obtained from patients undergoing amputation for non-arterial reasons or knee arthroplasty (n=7). VEGF protein levels in tissue lysates were measured by ELISA, and VEGF and KDR mRNA levels were determined using quantitative PCR. RESULTS: At the amputation level, VEGF protein and VEGF and KDR mRNA levels in CLI limbs were similar to those in controls. In the foot VEGF mRNA in skin (P=0.005) and VEGF protein levels in muscle (P=0.02) were elevated compared to levels in a proximal biopsy from the same limb. VEGF and KDR mRNA levels in the vicinity of gangrene/ulcers (VEGF P=0.01, KDR P=0.03) also were elevated. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF expression is not deficient in CLI. Indeed, it is elevated at distal sites in the ischaemic limb. These findings question the rationale for VEGF supplementation in CLI.     

VEGF and VEGF receptor expression after experimental brain contusion in rat

Angiogenesis following traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be of importance not only for post-traumatic reparative processes but also for the development of secondary injuries. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major regulator of endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and vascular permeability, though its possible involvement in secondary injuries after TBI is largely unknown. This study was undertaken to analyze the expression of VEGF and the VEGF receptors in experimental brain contusion in rat. Twenty-three adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a focal cerebral contusion injury by use of a weight-drop model. Four additional rats underwent craniotomy only. The animals were sacrificed 6 h, or 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 16 days post-injury. Expression of VEGF and the VEGF receptors VEGFR1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR2 (Flk-1) were studied by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. VEGF messenger (m)RNA and protein expression were detected in astrocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages in or adjacent to the injury from 1 day after injury, with a peak expression after 4-6 days. Flt-1 and Flk-1 mRNA and protein were detected in vessels adjacent to the lesion from 1 day after injury throughout day 6 after injury. It was also noted that Flt-1/Flk-1 and VEGF-positive vessels often were negative for SMI-71, a marker for vessels in areas with blood-brain barrier (BBB). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that TBI leads to an upregulation of VEGF, Flt-1, and Flk-1 mRNA and protein in and around the lesion. The data provide a foundation for future pharmacological intervention studies focusing on posttraumatic angiogenesis and possible injury repair effects of the VEGF system in TBI.     

人反义血管内皮生长因子基因表达对肾癌细胞的影响

目的　探讨人反义血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF)基因对肾癌细胞VEGF表达及生长的影响。　方法　采用RT PCR方法将VEGF基因克隆于 pcDNA3.1反义真核表达载体 ,构建VEGF的pcDNA3.1反义真核表达载体 ,酶切鉴定。转染人肾癌 780 0细胞 ,G4 18筛选阳性克隆。免疫组化法检测VEGF表达 ,MTT法测生长曲线。　结果　pcDNA3.1 (antisense)VEGF组VEGF蛋白表达阳性细胞率 (10 .3% )明显低于 780 0 PC组 (92 .8% )和 780 0组 (96 .6 % ) ,P <0 .0 1;VEGF反义真核表达载体抑制肾癌 780 0细胞生长 ,在培养的第 4、5、6天 ,抑制率分别为 2 6 .38%、4 1.78%和 37.6 4 %。　结论　VEGF的 pcDNA3.1反义真核表达载体可明显降低肾癌细胞VEGF的表达 ,明显减慢肾癌细胞生长。     

反义基因转染对人膀胱癌细胞血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的观察以腺相关病毒为载体(rAAV)的血管内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF)反义基因对人膀胱癌细胞中VEGF表达的影响。方法通过用不同量(0、20、100μl)的以腺相关病毒为基因载体的反义VEGF基因转染人膀胱癌细胞T24,采用免疫组织化学和Western blot方法,检测转染前后人膀胱癌T24细胞中VEGF的表达变化。结果免疫组织化学图像分析VEGF平均灰度值分别为364．40±30．31、460．25±36．34、494．18±38．82,Western blot蛋白条带灰度分别为 65 800±13 824、52 470±10 589、31 069±8 642。结果均表明随着转染的反义VEGF基因量的增多, T24细胞中VEGF的表达显著减少。结论反义VEGF基因的转染能显著抑制人膀胱癌T24细胞中VEGF的表达,有望成为膀胱肿瘤基因治疗的一种新方法。     

Revascularization of rat fasciocutaneous flap using CROSSEAL® with VEGF protein or plasmid DNA expressing VEGF

BACKGROUND: Fasciocutaneous tissue transfer is a common reconstructive procedure. Revascularization of flap tissue is an important component of tissue healing. Gene therapy offers an avenue through which the period of pedicle vascular dependency can be reduced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat fasciocutaneous flaps were elevated and a two-hour ischemic time induced. Polycation complex (jet PEI) and human fibrin sealant CROSSEAL was applied between flap and underlying abdominal tissues. Group 1 (six rats) was the control; Group 2 (seven rats) had vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein applied; Group 3 (seven rats) had plasmid DNA expressing VEGF applied. Vascular pedicles were ligated on postoperative day 5, percentage flap survival evaluated on day 7. RESULTS: All flaps survived initial ischemia. Mean +/- SD percentage area of the flap that survived was 28.1 +/- 12.4 (Group 1), 71.6 +/- 16.2 (Group 2), and 77.5 +/- 12.7 (Group 3) (P < 0.001, Group 1-3, 2-3). No differences were observed between Groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Locally administered VEGF protein or plasmid DNA expressing VEGF enhanced survival of fasciocutaneous flaps.