The effect of transforming growth factor-α on airway angiogenesis

A problem in lung transplantation is tracheal or bronchial dehiscence from ischemia. To determine if an angiogenic factor applied to the airway would improve capillary regrowth, a three-ring segment of trachea was completely severed and sutured in rats. In one group of animals the ischemic segment was wrapped with Gelfoam soaked in an angiogenic factor, transforming growth factor-alpha. In a second group the ischemic area was wrapped with Gelfoam soaked with only the vehicle. In a third group the devascularized area received no additional treatment