Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Expression in Contused Brain Tissue: The Role of Angiogenesis after Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats

Abstract

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a protein associated with angiogenesis and a potent vascular permeability factor. This study was undertaken to assess the neurological and histological roles of VEGF after TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) in a rat model of cerebral contusion. We examined the time course of VEGF expression, BBB (Blood Brain Barrier) disruption, and brain edema after traumatic brain injury. The necrosis volume and motor performance were measured to determine tissue repair and functional recovery after the brain injury. The contusion necrosis volume was aggravated at 21 days after the injury (115.0 ± 14.3 mm³ vs. 137.3 ± 21.1 mm³, p < 0.05) and motor performance, which was evaluated at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 days after the injury by Rota rod test, recovered less in the bevacizumab (VEGF antibody) treated group (78.4 ± 9.8% vs. 103.6 ± 7.7%, p < 0.05). We conclude that VEGF may have therapeutic potential for tissue repair and functional recovery after the injury, via angiogenesis.