ANGIOGENIC ACTIVITY OF THE FIBROBLAST AND EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR

The angiogenic activities of the fibroblast and epidermal growth factors in vivo have been analyzed using the rabbit cornea as a model. The angiogenic activity of slow-release form of Elwax 40 containing either fibroblast growth factor (FGF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF) at concentrations ranging from 0·5 to 60 μg were compared. A positive response was observed with concentrations of EGF as low as 1 μg per implant. The optimal concentration causing neovascularization in 100% of the cases was 10 μg per implant. With FGF, a positive response was observed at 2·5 μg per implant and the optimal concentration causing neovascularization in 100% of the cases was 25 μg per implant. In both cases, and in contrast with implants of serum albumin, the neovascularization could be seen to progress in the absence of inflammation. © 1979.