A study to determine if basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) reduces myocardial infarct size in acute coronary arterial occlusion

We investigated the angiogenic and myocardial salvage effects of bFGF. Twel ve beagles with ligated left anterior descending coronary arteries were div ided into two groups: a FGF group administered bFGF intravenously, and a Co ntrol group, after CAG immediately post-ligation. One week post-ligation, C AG was repeated. The heart was sliced along the short axis. For each sectio n, the fluorescein Na staining deficit area (DA) and ratio of DA to total a rea (DAR), TTC staining of the infarct area (CA) and ratio of IA to total a rea (IAR), and Masson trichrome staining of the fibrosed area (MA) and rati o of MA to total area (MAR), were calculated. The increase in the number of collateral vessels, seen on CAG from post-ligation to 1 week later, was si gnificantly greater in the FGF group. No significant differences in IAR or MAR were seen between the groups. However, DAR and DA/IA were significantly less in the FGF group. In conclusion, bFGF had no effect on infarct size, but stimulated the growth of collateral vessels and improved coronary blood flow in IA.