대퇴골두 무혈성괴사 동물모델에서 혈관내피성장인자의 발현

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.