Effect of intramuscular electro-acupuncture-mediatedVEGF gene transfer on experimental limb ischemia

To investigate the feasibility of intramuscular electro-acupuncture-mediatedVEGF gene transfer on experimental limb ischemia, the transcription and expression ofVEGF gene have been detected with RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry staining, and the biological effect ofVEGF gene inside the nat limb has been observed through vascular angiography. Results from angiography show that the transfer ofVEGF gene into the rat with experimental limb ischemia can stimulate the formation of neovessel, establish collateral circulation, augment blood perfusion, and ameliorate distal limb necrosis. These findings reveal that intramuscular electroacupuncture-mediatedVEGF gene transfer may present a new therapeutic modality for treating tissue ischemia.