Hyperbaric oxygen results in increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression in rabbit calvarial critical-sized defects.

BACKGROUND Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) promotes osseous healing, however the mechanism by which this occurs has not been elucidated. HBO may promote angiogenesis, which is vital for bone healing. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the key factors that stimulates angiogenesis. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate whether HBO altered VEGF expression during bone healing. METHODS AND MATERIALS Archived samples from calvarial defects of rabbits exposed to HBO (2.4 ATA, 90 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks) and normobaric oxygen controls (NBO) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS VEGF expression in 6-week HBO samples was elevated compared to NBO (P = .012). Staining of the 12-week HBO samples was reduced compared to 6-week HBO (P = .008) and was similar to 6- and 12-week NBO control samples. CONCLUSION HBO therapy resulted in increased VEGF expression in the defects even 2 weeks after the termination of treatment (6 weeks postsurgery).