The effect of basic fibroblast growth factor slow-release microcapsules on angiogenesis in infarcted rabbit myocardium

Abstract

Objectives: To observe the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) slow-release microcapsules on angiogenesis in infarcted myocardial regions.

Methods: Myocardial infarction was induced in 24 New Zealand rabbits by ligating the root of left anterior descending coronary artery. Group I (n = 8) served as control, group II (n = 8) as a blank microcapsule group, group III (n = 8, each microcapsule contains 1 microg bFGF) as microcapsule group. In group II and III, 5 blank microcapsules or bFGF slow-release microcapsules were implanted into myocardium underneath the epicardium between the left anterior descending coronary artery and left circumflex artery. Infarct size was evaluated by infarcted weight/left ventricle weight ratio and angiogenesis was evaluated by immunohistochemical examinations 5 weeks later.

Results: As compared with group I and II, rabbits treated with bFGF slow-release microcapsules showed higher microvessel counts (group I 37.75 +/- 4.50, group II 38.37 +/- 4.98, vs x group III 135.50 +/- 4.81, P < 0.001) and less infarcted weight/left ventricle weight (group I 16.8% +/- 0.4%, group II 16.7% +/- 0.5%, vs x group III 7.0% +/- 0.2%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Subepicardial administration of bFGF slow-release microcapsule in the infarcted rabbit model results in effective angiogenesis and reduction in infarct size.