The Effect of bFGF on the Expression of VEGF in Ischeamic Myocardium

Objective To evaluate the effect of intramyocardial administration of basic fibroblast growth factor on the expression of VEGF in infarcted myocardium and on cardiac function. Methods Twenty-four mongrel dogs were randomized into control group and therapeutic group. Acute myocardial infarction was made by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery distal to its first diagonal branch. After coronary artery was occlused,50 microgram of basic fibroblast growth factor in 15 ml of saline was injected into the infarcted myocardium and its border zone in therapeutic group, whereas 15 ml saline alone was used in control dogs.Every 3 dogs in each group were studied on the 1st day,the 3rd day ,the 10th day and the 17th day after surgery respectively. With sensitivity encoded technique,cine MR was performed on each dog before euthanasia to evaluate cardiac function. The expression of VEGF was evaluated by immunohistochemical study with the antibody of VEGF.Results VEGF expressed more in therapeutic group. In therapeutic group,LVEF improved markedly since the 10th day after injection of bFGF. Conclusion Intramyocardial administration of basic fibroblast growth factor is useful for increase in the expression of VEGF and improvement in left ventricular function in acute myocardial infarction.