Effect of VEGF receptor antagonist (VGA1155) on brain edema in the rat cold injury model.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major mediator of angiogenesis and a strong vascular permeability factor. Blockade of VEGF may have a potential to treat brain edema after brain injury. In the rat cold injury model, the VEGF receptor antagonist VGA1155 significantly reduced the brain water content and the maximum effect was obtained when given at 30 minutes after injury. This effect was in dose-dependent manner and the dose of 25 mg/kg showed the maximum effect. With this dose, VGA1155 also significantly reduced vascular permeability. Histological evaluation of brain lesion showed no significant reduction of damaged area 1 week after injury by VGA1155. The data suggest that VGA1155 may have antiedematous effect in acute phase after cold injury.