Local effect of VEGF in reconstructive surgery of the trachea, with evaluation of nonspecific protective factors

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the effect of local application of a drug film containing VEGF during reconstructive surgery of the trachea, with an assessment of nonspecific protective factors.

Material and methods. A linear incision into two cartilage rings of the trachea was performed on male Wistar rats, 10 months of age, divided into 4 groups: control group 1, rats with a surgery but no drug exposure (n = 18); control group 2 (n = 18), with a film of biocomposite material placed in the area of the surgical intervention; main group 3 (n = 18), with a long-acting drug film containing VEGF placed in the area of the surgical intervention; and control group 4 (n = 6), without a surgical intervention. Animals were sacrificed on days 3, 7, and 21. To study the dynamics of changes in nonspecific protective factors peripheral blood samples were withdrawn from fasting animals in the morning, and the phagocytic index and number, spontaneous and induced nitroblue tetrazolium tests (NBT), circulating immune complexes (CIC), and eosinophils were assessed.

Results. Beginning on the third day following reconstructive surgery of the trachea, local exposure to the drug film with prolonged-action VEGF increased the phagocytic index 1.7 times and the phagocytic number 1.6 times. The phagocytic activity of leukocytes increased, as manifested by a 4.2 time increase in the spontaneous NBT and by a 1.7 time increase in the induced NST. CIC elimination was not affected.

Conclusion. During experimental reconstructive surgery of the trachea, nonspecific protective factors are activated under local exposure to a prolonged-action drug film containing VEGF.