Influence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on gastroprotection in stress-induced gastric mucosal ulcers in rats.

In the process of evolution a number of complicated mechanisms have developed to protect the gastric mucous membrane, e.g., angiogenesis and stimulation of mucosal growth. The aim of this study was to determine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) administered intraperitoneally in the gastroprotective response to stress-induced acute gastric ulcers in rats. A dramatic increase in the number of blood vessels was observed when VEGF was injected 24 h before stress exposure. Gastric secretion, depth of ulceration and ulceration index decreased significantly after VEGF application. The results demonstrate the gastroprotective effect of VEGF on stress-induced ulceration.