[Accelerated maturation of expanded prefabricated flaps by use of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) 165 or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which was slowly-released in fibrin glue patch, on expanded prefabricated flaps in rabbits to facilitate the neoangiogenesis process.

METHODS

A total of 53 rabbits were divided randomly into 6 groups. The central auricular vascular bundle of the ear was implanted into the expanded prefabricated flap as the pedicle. Fibrin glue, sandwiched between the expander and the implanted vessels, was adopted for topical delivering and slow-releasing of VEGF(625 ng) or bFGF(2880U). After 14 days, the island flap with the implanted vascular bundles as the pedicle was elevated, sutured back to its original position and then harvested more 3 days later. Neoangiogenesis was measured by digital recording of survival area, laser Doppler flowmetry, PCNA immunohistochemistry, TUNEL, ink and PbO infusions.

RESULTS

When compared with the other groups, flap survival improved; neoangiogenesis of flaps increased, together with the blood flow enhanced in the groups applied growth factors. The reduced cellular apoptosis and the increased proliferation were also observed.

CONCLUSION

VEGF or bFGF slowly-released by fibrin glue shows the potential to facilitate neoangiogenesis and accelerate maturation of the expanded prefabricated flap.