Detection of lymphangiogenesis by near-infrared fluorescence imaging and responses to VEGF-C during healing in a mouse full-dermis thickness wound model

Noninvasive, longitudinal near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging was used to detect and quantify lymphangiogenesis following a full-dermis thickness incision in the presence and absence of locally administered vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), a well-known regulator of lymphangiogenesis. Peripheral cytokines/chemokines were also measured in treated and sham-injected animals. Lymphangiogenesis was detected via NIRF imaging by day 7-8 and confirmed by intravital microscopy, while angiogenesis was observed by day 2-3 postincision (PI). All lymph vessel parameters quantified were significantly greater on wounded vs. nonwounded sides of mice. Lymph vessel parameters appeared larger on wounded sides of VEGF-C- relative to NaCl-treated mice, although differences were not significant. Interleukin-1 and interleukin-22 were significantly elevated at day 7 PI relative to respective preincision levels in VEGF-C-treated mice, and decreased by day 21 PI to levels nearing those measured preincision. For the majority of cytokines/chemokines measured, mean responses were significantly greater in VEGF-C- vs. NaCl-treated animals. Local VEGF-C administration may stimulate lymphangiogenesis during tissue repair and regeneration via mediating systemic cytokine/chemokine levels. NIRF imaging can be utilized to detect lymphangiogenesis during wound healing, and offers a promising platform to complement current methods for monitoring wound status and studying the effects of growth factors on healing.