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Original

OP-1 injection increases VEGF expression but not angiogenesis in a rabbit model of distraction osteogenesis

, , , , , , , , , & show all
Pages 143-151 | Received 18 Oct 2007, Accepted 04 Apr 2008, Published online: 11 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

We have previously shown that a single injection of rhBMP-7 (OP-1) applied to the regenerate early during distraction accelerates bone consolidation in a rabbit model of distraction osteogenesis. In the present study, we hypothesised that the injection of OP-1 improves bone consolidation by increasing blood flow to the distracted site. Blood flow into the regenerate of a rabbit model was measured and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was tested using semi-quantitative PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used for assessing the temporal and spatial expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM), VEGF and its receptors following OP-1 injection. We observed a higher expression of VEGF and its receptors in the regenerate with OP-1 treatment. However, there was no difference in the increase in bone blood flow nor PECAM expression between the treated and control groups of animals. Interestingly, the increased expression of VEGF and its receptors was associated with chondrocyte and fibroblast-like cells, but not with endothelial cells. These results suggest that accelerated ossification by OP-1 may depend on a non-vascular mechanism, possibly involving a non-angiogenic function of VEGF signalling.

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