OBJECTIVE To review the fundamental research and the experimental study of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). METHODS The laboratory information and experimental study of VEGF were extensively reviewed. RESULTS VEGF, as a mitogen specifically for endothelial cells, could bly stimulate angiogenesis as well as vascular permeability, especially in hypoxia state. Experimentally, survival area and viability of flaps could be increased significantly when exogenous VEGF was applied in the form of protein or cDNA. CONCLUSION VEGF provides a new way for therapeutic angiogenesis in reparative and reconstructive surgery.
