Biomechanics and Motion Analysis

Growth Factor Expression After Tendon Repair

Principal Investigator: Peter C. Amadio, M.D.
Project Coordinator: Chunfeng Zhao, M.D. — zhao.chunfeng@mayo.edu

Figure 2: Immunolocalization of VEGF at day 21. (a) Positive staining of VEGF was detected uniformly throughout the tendon in group C. (b) VEGF in group D was not detected at the close site to the laceration.

Growth factors, such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b), epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), are considered as critical components of the wound healing process. We evaluated the canine flexor tendon at 10 and 21 days after laceration and repair, using immunohistochemical analysis to observe the expression of these growth factors, the effect on expression of different timing of initiation of postoperative therapy, and the association of differences in the healing process (Figure 2).