Angiotropin treatment prevents flap necrosis and enhances dermal regeneration in rabbits
M. Hockel and J. F. Burke
Universitatsfrauenklinik Mainz, West Germany.
Angiotropin is a potent angiogenesis factor isolated from the serum-free
media of cultured, lectin-activated peripheral monocytes. In vitro, the
purified substance stimulates migration, phenotypic differentiation, and
tube formation, but not proliferation of capillary endothelial cells. When
injected intradermally, angiotropin induces, in dose-dependent fashion,
angiogenesis associated with skin hyperplasia. We have developed a flap
model with insufficient blood supply and a model for contraction-free
defect healing in rabbit skin. We show that (1) local pretreatment with
angiotropin can prevent flap necrosis and (2) dermal regeneration after
wounding can be augmented by angiotropin. From these results, we conclude
that angiotropin might be of use as an adjuvant to healing in surgery.
