Effectable application of vascular endothelial growth factor to critical sized rat calvaria defects

Abstract

An early vascular response for angiogenesis is essential for the normal progression of bone defect healing. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a poly (L,D-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) membrane with VEGF encapsulated into PLGA microspheres on bone regeneration at bone defects in rat calvaria. Microspheres of PLGA incorporating VEGF(165) (VEGF microspheres) were prepared, and critical-size bone defects were created in rat calvaria. The VEGF microspheres, PLGA microspheres, or VEGF microspheres plus PLGA membrane were applied to the defects. Bone regeneration was evaluated using image analysis based on soft radiographic and histologic examination. Mature thick bone regeneration was observed in selected sites at bone defects that had been applied with VEGF microspheres/PLGA membrane compared with those that had been applied with the other treatments. A combination of VEGF microspheres and a PLGA membrane effectively enhances bone regeneration.