Sustained Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Blockade by Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Antibodies Results in Nonunion in the Process of Fracture Healing in Rabbits

Objective: To study the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the process of fracture healing and the effect of VEGF and anti-VEGF polyclonal antibody on fracture healing. Methods: One hundred and five New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to fracture of the middle part of the left radius, and were randomly divided into control, VEGF, and VEGF polyclonal antibody groups. The blood flow at the fracture site was measured by single photoemission computerized tomography after 8 hours, 24 hours, and 72 hours, and 1 weeks, 3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 8 weeks. X-ray films were taken after 1 weeks, 3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 8 weeks to observe the results of fracture healing. Results: The blood flow at the fracture site in the VEGF group significantly increased compared with the control group during 8 hours to 1 week, but no obvious difference was seen on the X-ray films between the two groups. In the VEGF polyclonal antibody group, the blood flow at the fracture sites decreased significantly at all time points compared with the control group. The fracture healing process was disturbed, and nonunion signs were seen at the fracture site. Conclusions: The lack of VEGF may impede the fracture healing process, and results in nonunion at the fracture site.