The effects of VEGF on survival of a random flap in the rat: examination of various routes of administration

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on survival of a full thickness random pattern, McFarlane musculocutaneous flap in the rat. In addition, this study examined a number of different methods of VEGF delivery in an attempt to determine the most effective route of administration. A 2×8 cm full thickness dorsal flap with the pedicle remaining attached at the anterior end was elevated in 72 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomised into six groups and immediately received the following treatment: Group I ( n=12): systemic VEGF injection into the femoral vein (50 μg/ml); Group II ( n=10): multiple systemic VEGF injections at 0, 24 and 48 h post flap elevation (50 μg/ml); Group III ( n=12): subdermal VEGF injection into the flap (1 μg/ml); Group IV ( n=12): subfascial VEGF injections into the recipient bed (1 μg/ml); Group V ( n=10): topical VEGF onto the recipient bed (1 μg/ml); Group VI ( n=16): control group with no treatment. Following 5 days recovery, the area of flap survival was measured. Mean flap survival ranged from 91% in Group II to 78% in Group V, and was significantly greater in all experimental groups ( P