Angiogenesis: A new factor on the block —A preliminary observation

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a fundamental process which is essential to the healing of tissues including bone. Sadat–Habdan mesenchymal stimulating peptide (SHMSP) was found to enhance fracture healing. Our goal was to determine whether SHMSP has any effect on angiogenesis. A complete osteotomy of the midulna was created in 20 male, skeletally mature rabbits. In 10 rabbits at the osteotomy site 3.5 mg/kg body weight of the SHMSP was added after irrigation. The control group had only irrigation after the osteotomy was created. Postoperatively both groups received pain relief and were kept in similar circumstances. On fourth and tenth days, five rabbits from each group were sacrificed and the forelimbs were removed and sent for histopathologic examination. At four days, only the treated group showed excessive new vessel growth compared with the control groups at a ratio of 3:1 per field. The picture of neovasculization was clearer with immunochemistry staining with CD31. By the tenth day, the picture of vascularization was marginally better in the treated group and was similar to that seen on fourth day. This preliminary study shows that SHMSP has the potential for stimulating angiogenesis in a fracture module. Further studies are needed to assess its effect in other vascular insufficiencies.