Tissue generation with growth factors.

Background. An in vivo experimental model was introduced to determine whether the mitogenic effect of recombinant platelet-derived growth factor (rPDGF) could be used to generate potentially useful tissue. Methods. In Lewis rats, the extended femoral arteriovenous bundle was placed within silicone chambers containing collagen disks. The disks could deliver their content of rPDGF-BB (125 to 131 μg/disk) either as a rapid pulse or as a slow release. The time course of tissue generation was determined by harvesting the specimens at various postoperative days. The effect of continuous versus pulsed delivery was determined at 30 days. Analysis of the generated tissue was performed by use of histomorphometry