Effect of angiogenic growth factors on vascularization of type I collagen implants.

Three different treatments, namely, bFGF (0.5 μg), VEGF (0.15 μg), or bFGF + VEGF were tested for their ability to stimulate a strong angiogenic response within collagen implants. Collagen was copolymerized with buffer alone or with growth factors prior to placement on the CAM. After 66 hours on the CAM, angiogenesis scores were measured and calculated as the proportion (mean ± SEM) of positive boxes in the upper nylon mesh grid. Data represent 3 pooled experiments: control, n = 37 implants; bFGF, n = 37; VEGF, n = 21; and bFGF/VEGF, n = 37. Results of statistical analysis performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test on matched pairs are as follows: bFGF versus buffer control, P < .001; VEGF versus buffer control, P > .05; bFGF/VEGF versus buffer control, P < .001; and bFGF/VEGF versus VEGF or bFGF,P < .001.