J Korean Orthop Res Soc.  2004 Oct;7(2):115-124.

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in an Animal Model of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head

• Yang IH
• Kim SH
• Kong SY
• Joo SY
• Yang KH
• Hahn SB
• Park HW
• Kim HW

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the pathologic changes, apoptosis of chondrocytes, and expression pattern of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the growth plate of Spontaneouly Hypertensive Rats (SHR).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sixty SHRs and thirty Wister Kyoto rats(control, WKYs) were sacrificed at the age of 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 weeks. SHRs were divided into the groups of [SHR-n] and [SHR+n] according to the evidence of ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. TUNEL assay was done for the investigation of apoptotic changes in the growth plate. VEGF immunohistochemistry was performed to identify the expression of VEGF in the growth plate, epiphysis, and articular cartilage.
RESULTS
Apoptosis of growth plate in the groups of SHR was more evident than that of WKY group. VEGF expression in the articular cartilage, epiphysis and growth plate was decreased in the course of normal ossification. VEGF expression in the epiphysis and growth plate was decreased in the groups of SHR, especially in the group of [SHR+n]. Normal expression was found in the articular cartilage of all three groups.
CONCLUSION
VEGF was expressed in the growth-dependent manner, and is an essential factor for the longitudinal growth of growth plate and normal ossification.

Keyword

VEGF; Apoptosis; Growth plate; Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

MeSH Terms

Animals*
Apoptosis
Cartilage, Articular
Chondrocytes
Epiphyses
Growth Plate
Head*
Immunohistochemistry
In Situ Nick-End Labeling
Models, Animal*
Necrosis*
Rats
Rats, Inbred SHR
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A