Experimental Study Of The Rabbit Hind Leg Ischemia Model. Of Bfgf Arterial Perfusion

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine whether intra-arterial, local delivery of bFGF could promote neovascularization, limb perfusion, and functional improvements in the hind limbs of rabbits rendered partially ischemic by surgery. The effects of intra-arterial infusion of bFGF was compared with intravenous delivery of bFGF and intra-arterial infusion of Saline. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven rabbits were randomly assigned to either IA-bFGF (n=9), IV-bFGF (n=9), or IA-Saline(n=9) treatment groups. Partial ischemia was induced in each right hind limb by surgical ligation of the common and superficial femoral arterial, leaving the internal iliac artery intact. The left limb of each animal served as a nonischemic control. In immediately after vessel ligations, postoperation day 8 and postoperation day 15, IA-bFGF and IA-Saline groups deliver bFGF (1 Oug/time) or Saline solution into the common iliac artery, while IV-bFGF group deliver bFGF (1 Oug/time) to venous. Comparative vascularity between ischemic and nonischemic limbs within treatment groups and between groups was evaluated by (1) vessel transverse section count, vessel transverse section surface area and vessel transverse section perimeter from representative fields of hematoxylin and eosin stained muscle tissue taken from hind limbs at day -3- 22;(2) measuring capillary refill times in ischemic limbs; and (3) observations of functional and trophic changes in ischemic limbs. Statistical differences between treatment groups and within treatment groups were evaluated by one-way ANOVA and T test. Results: Vessel transverse section count, vessel transverse section surface area and vessel transverse section perimeter were significantly greater (p