A study on endothelial cell-targeted therapy with VEGF antibody for the cure of hypertrophic scar in nude mice

Objective To explore the effect of endothelial cell-targeted therapy with VEGF antibody on curing hypertrophic scar in nude mice. Methods To establish a hypertrophic scar animal model, a piece of huma post-burn hypertrophic scar was transplanted into the subcutis on scapular area in nude mice. After 3 weeks transplantation, injections into the scar with different dose of VEGF monoclonal antibody were performed twice a week for 3 weeks. After that, the animal were killed, the transplanted scars were dissected, and the changes of scar in volume were observed and measured. Masson staining and immunohistochemical technique were applied to assess the changes of collagen and microvessel count. Results After 3 weeks treating with VEGF monoclonal antibody, the volume of the scar markedly decreased, the number of microvessel and amount of collagen in the scar reduced apparently as compared with PBS control group, especially in higher dose group. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that the endothelial cell-targeted therapy with VEGF antibody could inhibite the formation of microvessel, collagen and the growth of the scar.