Effects of Intramyocardial Administration of Slow-Release Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Angiogenesis and Ventricular Remodeling in a Rat Infarct Model

Abstract

Background Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) stimulates neoangiogenesis. Incorporation into biodegradable gelatin hydrogels provides the sustained release of bFGF. The effects of intramyocardial injections of slow-release bFGF on neoangiogenesis in a rat model of infarction were investigated. Methods and Results Myocardial infarction was induced in rats using coronary artery ligation. A total of 124 rats received an intramyocardial injection of 20 μg of bFGF, the same amount of bFGF incorporated into gelatin hydrogel (bFGF + gel), gelatin hydrogel (gel) or saline. Ventricular function was evaluated by echocardiography 2 or 4 weeks later. Morphometric and histological analyses were used to evaluate infarct size, vascular density and myocardial apoptosis. Capillary density in the infarct border zone was higher in the bFGF and bFGF + gel groups than in the saline and gel groups at 4 weeks (pCirc J 2006; 70: 471 - 477)