Effect of brain functional recovery decoction on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and Ang-1 protein in a rat cerebral ischemia reperfusion model

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of brain functional recovery decoction (BFRD) on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) protein in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury, and to explore the mechanism of action of BFRD. METHODS: Using the suture-occlusion method, a Wistar rat model of focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion was established. The rats were randomly divided into treatment group, model group, and sham operation group. The treatment group was administered BFRD. In situ hybridization was used to detect VEGF mRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe expression of Ang-1 protein. RESULTS: VEGF mRNA expression was greater in the model group compared with the sham operation group (P < 0.05); Ang-1 protein expression was more obvious in the treatment group than the model group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BFRD promoted VEGF mRNA and Ang-1 protein expression in the brains of rats with cerebral ischemia, suggesting increased angiogenesis.