Effect of intramuscular electro-acupuncture-mediated VEGF gene transfer onexperimental limb ischemia

To investigate the feasibility of intramuscular electro- acupuncture- media ted VEGF gene transfer on experimental limb ischemia, the transcription and expression of VEGF gene have been detected with RT-PCR and immunohistochem istry staining,and the biological effect of VEGF gene inside the nat limb h as been observed through vascular angiography. Results from angiography sho w that the transfer of VEGF gene into the rat with experimental limb ischem ia can stimulate the formation of neovessel, establish :collateral circulat ion, augment blood perfusion; and ameliorate distal limb necrosis. These fi ndings reveal that intramuscular electroacupuncture-mediated VEGF gene tran sfer may present a new therapeutic modality for treating tissue ischemia.