ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility of establishing a murine hemangioma model with injection of recombinant adeo-associated virus mediated human vascular endothelial growth factor-121 (rAAV-hVEGF(121)) gene.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>rAAV-hVEGF(121) was constructed, identified and then implanted to the left back ear of each mouse (1.0 x 10(11)VG in 50 microl per mouse and 10 nude mice received the injection), the rights served as controls with an injection of the same volume of phosphate buffered solution (PBS). The skin color and swelling of left back ear were observed every other day. Histological examination was carried out after mice were sacrificed 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 weeks after injection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rAAV-hVEGF(121) was correctly constructed and confirmed by restriction endonuclease analysis, polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing analysis. The skin of left back ear became red 2 weeks after injection and gradually exhibited a red lump which was at its utmost 12 weeks after injection. Such phenomena were not observed in right back ear. Histological examinations showed aggregates of endothelial cells by 2 weeks and at 8 weeks the swollen tissue contained many cysts filled with a mass of red cells. CD-34 staining suggested most of the newly-formed cells were endothelial cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A hemangioma model was established in mice with injection of recombinant rAAV-hVEGF(121) gene.</p>