Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor on periodontal early wound healing in model rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays a significant role in microangiopathy. This study aimed to observe VEGF expression immunohistochemically in the early healing stage of periodontal defects in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) model rats with type 2 diabetes and clarify the relationship between VGEF and microangiopathy in the healing process. We surgically prepared periodontal defects in the maxillary molars of male GK and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The animals were euthanized 3 and 7 days after surgery. Periodontal samples were stained immunohistochemically with anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies. Other samples were observed with a transmission electron microscope. We found localization of VEGF in the periodontal defect region 3 days after surgery in both groups. VEGF was strongly localized around the vessels of the experimental group and active formation of new vessels was confirmed. Although VEGF was rarely localized around the vessels in the control group 7 days after surgery, localization occurred in the experimental group around capillaries in the periodontal defect region and there was formation of new vessels. VEGF expression in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the controls, resulting in continuous formation of new, immature blood vessels. These results suggest that microcirculation recovery is delayed in the healing of periodontal defects.