Effect of intramuscular electro-acupuncture-mediated VEGF gene transfer on experimental limb ischemia

To investigate the feasibility of intramuscular electro-acupuncture-mediated VEGF gene transfer on experimental limb ischemia, the transcription and expression of VEGF gene have been detected with RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry staining, and the biological effect of VEGF gene inside the nat limb has been observed through vascular angiography. Results from angiography show that the transfer of VEGF gene into the rat with experimental limb ischemia can stimulate the formation of neovessel, establish collateral circulation, augment blood perfusion, and ameliorate distal limb necrosis. These findings reveal that intramuscular electro acupuncture-mediated VEGF gene transfer may present a new therapeutic modality for treating tissue ischemia.