Ephrin-B2促进大鼠局灶脑缺血再灌注后VEGF表达及血管新生

目的:探讨Ephrin-B2对大鼠脑缺血再灌注后脑组织中血管新生的调节作用及其可能的机制。方法:雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组及、缺血再灌注组及Ephrin-B2干预组,后两组再分为4天、7天、14天、28天亚组;线栓法制备局灶性大脑中动脉缺血再灌注模型;改良神经功能评分(modified neurological severity scores mNSS)评分法对各时间点模型进行评分;Western blot及荧光定量PCR检测缺血脑组织中血管内皮生长因子(Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor VEGF)的表达;以免疫荧光双标法定位VEGF表达的细胞类型;以CD31+BrdU计数缺血半暗带中新生微血管密度(microvessel densityMVD)。结果:Ephrin-B2干预组与缺血再灌注组各时间点亚组比较,新生微血管密度测定计数较缺血再灌注组均显著增加(P0.05),神经功能评分均显著降低(P0.05),VEGF mRNA水平及蛋白表达水平均显著增加(P0.05),VEGF主要表达于CD31阳性的血管内皮细胞。结论:Ephrin-B2通过上调VEGF的表达促进脑缺血再灌注后缺血半暗带血管新生,从而促进神经功能缺失的修复。     

自噬在高压氧预处理预防脊髓缺血再灌注损伤中 的作用机制研究*

目的:研究自噬在高压氧预处理预防脊髓缺血再灌注损伤中的机制。方法:新生大鼠脊髓神经元原代培养,分为对照组(氧糖剥夺)和高压氧(HBO)预处理组。通过应用免疫组织化学、Western blot分析两组LC3-Ⅱ与凋亡相关分子Beclin-1,Bcl-2,Casp-ase-3的表达变化。结果:发现重复高压氧预处理对氧糖剥夺诱导原代培养的脊髓神经元损伤具有明显的保护作用。免疫组化和Western blot显示与对照组相比高压氧预处理显著增加脊髓神经元细胞Bcl-2的表达,降低Beclin-1,Caspase-3以及自噬的特异性标记蛋白LC3-Ⅱ的表达。氧糖剥夺后对照组与高压氧组相比,LDH释放量明显增多(P<0.05)。结论:HBO预处理通过调节自噬减轻缺血再灌注损伤,为HBO预处理神经保护提供一条新的作用机制。     

白藜芦醇通过介导eNOS表达促进局灶脑缺血/再灌注大鼠脑内血管再生

目的探讨eNOS在白藜芦醇促进局灶脑缺血/再灌注大鼠大脑缺血皮质区血管再生中的作用。方法 80只SD雄性大鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham组)、模型组(I/R组)、模型+白藜芦醇组(I/RB组)、模型+白藜芦醇+eNOS特异性拮抗剂L-NAME组(I/RBL组)。采用线栓法制备大鼠局灶脑缺血/再灌注模型,再灌注后2h后腹腔注射白藜芦醇,连续7d,以再灌注后24h、48h、7d为观察时相点。对I/R、I/RB和I/RBL组大鼠行改良神经功能缺损程度评分,HE染色观察大脑缺血皮质区病理结构变化,Western Blot检测eNOS蛋白表达,免疫组织化学检测VEGF、CD34表达情况,荧光定量PCR检测eNOS mRNA表达。结果 I/RB组再灌注后各时间点大鼠大脑缺血皮质区eNOS蛋白及mRNA、VEGF蛋白表达较I/R组明显升高,侧脑室注射L-NAME阻断eNOS作用后,I/RBL组eNOS、VEGF表达较I/RB组降低。同时,白藜芦醇可有效促进缺血后神经功能恢复、改善缺血损伤后脑组织病理变化,增加CD34~+微血管密度。结论白藜芦醇可能通过上调局灶脑缺血/再灌注大鼠大脑缺血皮质区eNOS和VEGF表达,促进脑微血管再生,发挥缺血损伤后脑保护作用。     

高压氧预处理对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用及对其海马BDNF和GDNF基因表达的影响

目的:探讨高压氧预处理(Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning, HBO-PC)对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用及对其海马脑源性神经营养因子(brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF)、胶质细胞源性神经营养因子(glialcellline-derivedneurotrophicfactor,GDNF)基因表达的影响。方法:将32只SD雄性大鼠随机分为对照组(Sham组)、高压氧对照组(HBO组)、模型组(MCAO组)、高压氧预处理+模型组(HBO+MCAO组),对HBO组和HBO+MCAO组连续给予高压氧预处理5天,随后对MCAO组和HBO+MCAO组进行右侧颈内动脉栓线术,建立大脑中动脉闭塞(middle cerebral artery occlusion, MCAO)模型,其他两组行假手术,于术后第7天对各组大鼠进行Morris水迷宫行为学检测和神经功能评分,检测结束后处死大鼠,进行神经功能缺损评分及氯化三苯基四氮唑(2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride, TTC)染色;通过蛋白免疫印迹法(Western Blot)检测大鼠海马组织BDNF和GDNF的基因表达情况。结果:(1)神经功能评分提示:Sham组和HBO组均未出现神经功能障碍,MCAO组大鼠出现明显的神经功能障碍,MCAO+HBO组神经功能评分明显高于MCAO组(P0.05)。(2)TTC检测提示:Sham组和HBO组脑组织损伤一侧均未出现梗死灶,MCAO组出现较大的梗死面积比(25.45±8.75)%,MCAO+HBO组的梗死面积比(18.84±10.55)显著小于MCAO组,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.05)。(3)Western Blot检测显示:MCAO组BDNF与GDNF基因表达水平显著低于Sham组和HBO组,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.05),而MCAO+HBO组可以逆转这一效应,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.05)。结论:高压氧预处理可以通过调节BDNF、GDNF基因表达,改善MCAO模型大鼠神经功能和认知水平,发挥神经保护作用。     

高压氧对急性CO 中毒大鼠脑内源性神经干细胞的影响

目的:探讨高压氧对急性CO中毒大鼠脑内源性神经干细胞的影响,分析HBO治疗急性CO中毒脑损伤的机制。方法:建立急性CO中毒大鼠模型,给予高压氧(HBO)治疗后,H-E染色观察大鼠脑组织病理学变化,免疫组织化学方法检测大鼠脑内神经干细胞(nestin)和星形胶质细胞(GFAP)的表达。结果:H-E染色标本上,对照组脑内神经元形态正常,染毒组脑皮质出现大量变性坏死细胞,海马锥体细胞层稀疏,HBO组坏死细胞明显减少。免疫组化结果显示对照组nestin和GFAP表达数量形态均正常,染毒组nestin表达增加,但无统计学意义,GFAP形态数量发生改变,HBO组nestin表达明显增加,且在大脑皮层可见部分nestin阳性细胞和nestin-GFAP双阳性细胞;GFAP表达趋于正常。结论:急性CO中毒作为脑损伤因素可轻度激活大鼠脑内源性神经干细胞,并使星形胶质细胞增生变形、神经元变性坏死,HBO治疗可减轻星形胶质细胞损伤,明显激活内源性神经干细胞,并促使其增殖、迁移和分化。提示HBO可能通过激活神经干细胞起治疗作用。     

当归对宫内低氧新生大鼠海马神经元与神经胶质细胞的影响及其机制

目的:探讨宫内低氧对新生大鼠海马CA3区神经元与神经胶质细胞的影响及血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在低氧后的表达与当归的干预作用。方法:将大鼠随机分为对照组、低氧组和当归组分别受孕,取新生鼠脑组织制片后做神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)mRNA、胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)mRNA、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)mRNA原位杂交。结果:当归能显著增大低氧新生鼠海马CA3区NSE mRNA和VEGF mRNA原位杂交阳性细胞IOD值,减小GFAP mRNA原位杂交阳性细胞IOD值。结论:当归注射液可增加低氧所致的新生大鼠海马CA3区神经元的数量,减弱该区神经胶质细胞的增生,其机制可能是进一步上调低氧后VEGFmRNA的表达。     

高压氧预处理对急性减压所致的大鼠肺组织细胞凋亡及Bcl-2/Bax表达的影响

目的:探讨高压氧预处理对减压病大鼠肺组织细胞凋亡的影响相关蛋白表达的影响。方法:雄性SD大鼠24只,随机分为3组,正常对照组(NC group)、HBO预处理组(HBOP group)、减压组(DCS group),每组8只。连续进行HBO预处理5天后进行减压病模型制备,取左侧肺组织进行湿干重比值测定,右侧肺组织用于病理实验;HE染色观察肺组织病理学改变,免疫组织化学法标记Bcl-2、Bax、Caspase-3与MMP-9阳性细胞表达,并对bcl-2/bax值进行分析。结果:减压组肺组织Bax、Caspase-3与MMP-9阳性细胞数明显增加(P0.05),而Bcl-2阳性细胞表达减少(P0.05);高压氧预处理组与减压组相比,Bax、Caspase-3与MMP-9阳性细胞数明显减少(P0.05),而Bcl-2阳性细胞表达增加(P0.05);大鼠肺组织减压组与高压氧预处理组Bcl-2/Bax值较对照组明显降低(P0.05);与减压组相比,高压氧预处理组明显升高(P0.05)。结论:HBO预处理可以减轻减压对肺组织的病理损伤,减轻肺泡和支气管上皮细胞的变性坏死,抑制细胞凋亡,从而起到对减压病的保护作用。     

大鼠局灶脑缺血/再灌注后骨髓内皮祖细胞动员轨迹的追踪

目的观察大鼠局灶脑缺血/再灌注后骨髓内皮祖细胞(EPCs)能否动员至外周血进而归巢到缺血脑区。方法线栓法制备局灶脑缺血/再灌注模型。130只SD雄性大鼠完全随机分为模型+生理盐水组、模型+DIL-acLDL组。荧光共聚焦技术观察1d后骨髓腔内细胞摄取DIL-acLDL的情况;1d、2d、3d、7d观察骨髓、外周血CD34+DIL-acLDL+双阳性细胞及缺血大脑皮质区DIL-acLDL+阳性细胞情况;免疫组织化学法比较各组大鼠大脑缺血侧及未缺血侧皮质区CD34+血管表达;荧光定量PCR法比较各组大鼠大脑缺血侧及未缺血侧皮质区CD34mRNA表达。结果生理盐水组荧光共聚焦结果为阴性,DIL-acLDL组1d后骨髓腔内观察到红色标记的DIL-acLDL+阳性细胞,并分别于1d、2d、3d、7d后在骨髓及外周血中观察到CD34+DIL-acLDL+双阳性细胞,在缺血大脑皮质区未检测到DIL-acLD L+阳性细胞,但3d、7d缺血大脑皮质侧CD34+血管及CD34m RNA的表达明显高于未缺血侧(P0.01,P0.05),且表达量均随时间的推移而增多(P0.01)。结论DIL-acLDL可标记活体大鼠骨髓腔内细胞,且骨髓腔内EPCs可动员至外周血并促大脑缺血皮质区血管再生。     

电针通过PI3K/AKT信号通路动员脑缺血/再灌注大鼠骨髓内皮祖细胞至外周血

目的探讨PI3K/AKT信号通路在电针动员SD大鼠骨髓内皮祖细胞(endothelial progenitor cells, EPCs)至外周血的作用研究。方法采用线栓法制备SD大鼠局灶脑缺血/再灌注模型,以"百会"穴(GV 20)及左侧"四关"穴(合谷LI4/太冲LR 3)为治疗穴位。腹腔注射PI3K特异性抑制剂LY294002阻断PI3K/AKT通路。192只雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham)、缺血组(I/R)、缺血+电针组(I/RE)及缺血+电针+LY294002组(I/REL)。脑缺血90min,根据再灌注时间,将各组分为再灌注24h、48h和7d三个亚组。采用流式细胞术检测骨髓和外周血CD34+EPCs数量,ELISA法检测各组大鼠骨髓AKT、磷酸化AKT(p-AKT)及内皮型一氧化氮合酶(endothelial nitric oxide synthase,eNOS)蛋白含量,免疫荧光共聚焦检测各组大鼠大脑皮质区CD34+微血管密度。结果脑缺血再灌注后24h和48h,大鼠骨髓和外周血CD34+EPCs数量较Sham组明显增多,EA组骨髓和外周血CD34+EPCs数量在各个观察时间点均较I/R组明显增多,I/REL组与I/RE组比较,骨髓及外周血CD34+EPCs数量无明显增高。I/R组大鼠骨髓p-AKT和eNO含量在再灌注后各时间点均较Sham组明显增多,I/RE组p-AKT及eNOS较I/R组明显增多,I/REL组与I/RE组比较,上述蛋白表达明显减少。所有组于各观察时间点总AKT蛋白表达无明显差异。此外,脑缺血再灌注后各时间点,大鼠大脑皮质缺血区CD34+MVD较Sham组明显增多。EA组CD34+微血管密度较I/R组进一步增加,I/REL组与I/RE组比较,CD34+微血管密度明显减少。结论电针可通过进一步激活骨髓PI3K/AKT信号通路动员局灶脑缺血/再灌注大鼠骨髓EPCs至外周血,促进脑血管再生。     

高压氧预处理对兔脊髓缺血再灌注损伤的保护机制探讨

目的:探讨高压氧预处理对免脊髓缺血再灌注损伤的保护机制.方法:20只雄性新西兰大白兔,随机分为2组(每组n=10):对照组为常压空气组;HBO组为高压氧预处理组.采用肾下腹主动脉阻断法造成脊髓缺血再灌注损伤,观察两组再灌注后4h、12h、24h、48h时的神经功能评分;再灌注48 h时取出腰段脊髓组织(L5-7)测定脊髓抗氧化酶活性(SOD、CAT及GSH-px)及MAD含量.结果:再灌注4h、12h、24h、48h时,HBO组神经功能学评分均明显优于对照组(P<0.05).再灌注48h时,HBO组脊髓匀浆SOD、CAT及GSH-px活性明显高于对照组(P<0.05),脊髓匀浆MDA含量明显低于对照组(P<0.05).相关性分析发现,再灌注48 h时后肢运动神经功能学评分与脊髓SOD、CAT及GSH-px活性呈正相关(r=0.82,0.65,0.54,P<0.05),与脊髓MDA含量呈负相关(r=-0.69,P<0.05).结论:高压氧预处理对脊髓缺血再灌注损伤的保护机制可能与上调内源性抗氧化酶活性和清除自由基有关.     

Expressions of VEGF and its receptors in rat corpus luteum during interferon alpha administration in early and pseudopregnancy

It is accepted that angiogenesis plays an important role in the development of the corpus luteum (CL) and is probably necessary for normal lutein cell function. A number of drugs currently being tested in clinical trials as possible angiogenesis inhibitors were not originally developed with the intention of suppressing tumor angiogenesis. Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) is one of the notable examples of such 'accidental angiogenesis inhibitors' and daily administration of IFN-alpha is known to suppress tumor growth, tumor vascularization, and down-regulation of various growth factors. We investigated the effects of IFN-alpha treatment on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and its receptors KDR and Flt-1, and CD34 in CL during the first week of pseudopregnancy and pregnancy in hormonally induced rat ovaries by immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques. Basal body temperatures of the drug-treated rats, as an indicator of treatment effect, were determined daily and were increased significantly when compared to controls (38.03 +/- 0.18 vs. 36.6 +/- 0.1 degrees C), respectively. The effect of IFN-alpha treatment was minimal when the entire week was evaluated, however, the expression of VEGF decreased at 3rd, 5th, and 7th days of both pregnancy and pseudopregnancy, when compared to the 1st day, whereas there was not a such alteration in the untreated rats regarding these days. The daily subcutaneous administrations of 672.500 U IFN-alpha2b had minimal effects on the expressions of VEGF, and its two receptors KDR and Flt-1 in either pregnant or pseudopregnant corpora lutea utilizing HSCORE.     

高压氧预处理对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的:研究高压氧预处理对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。方法:36只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组及高压氧预处理组,每组12只。高压氧预处理组大鼠在造模前5天给予高压氧预处理。采用线栓法建立大鼠脑缺血再灌注模型,观察高压氧预处理对脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠神经功能缺损评分、脑梗死面积的影响,检测大鼠缺血脑组织COX-2 mRNA和蛋白的表达以及IL-1β、TNF-α、MDA的含量。结果:高压氧预处理可明显改善脑缺血再灌注大鼠神经功能缺损评分,减少脑梗死面积,降低COX-2m RNA和蛋白表达量,抑制IL-1β、TNF-α的表达,降低MDA水平。结论:高压氧预处理对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤具有明显的保护作用,其机制可能与抑制IL-1β、TNF-α、COX-2的表达以及减弱脂质过氧化反应有关。     

经颅磁刺激联合高压氧（HBO)治疗脑梗死240 例临床疗效分析

目的:观察经颅磁刺激(transcranial magnetic stimulation,TMS)联合高压氧(hyperbaricoxygen,HBO)治疗脑梗死的临床疗效。方法:采用随机数字表法将240例脑梗死患者分为联合治疗组、HBO组及常规组,每组80例。常规组患者给予常规治疗,HBO组患者在常规干预基础上辅以HBO治疗,联合治疗组患者则在常规干预基础上辅以HBO及TMS联合治疗。上述治疗均以10 d为1个疗程,共治疗2个疗程。于治疗前、治疗2个疗程后比较各组患者神经功能缺损程度,并同时于上述时间点检测各组患者中枢运动传导时间(CMCT)及血清中脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)、神经生长因子(NGF)表达情况。结果:各组患者分别经2个疗程治疗后,发现联合治疗组NIHSS评分、总有效率均显著优于HBO组及常规组水平(均P0.05);另外联合治疗组血清中BDNF含量与NGF含量均较治疗前明显升高(P0.05),与常规组及HBO组间差异亦具有统计学意义(均P0.05)。结论:TMS联合HBO治疗脑梗死具有协同作用,能进一步改善患者受损神经功能及日常生活质量,其治疗机制可能与增强神经营养因子表达有关。     

Up-regulation of miR-210 by vascular endothelial growth factor in ex vivo expanded CD34+ cells enhances cell-mediated angiogenesis

Ex vivo culture has been proposed as a means to augment and repair autologous cells in patients with chronic diseases, but the mechanisms governing improvement in cell function are not well understood. Although microRNAs (miRs) are increasingly appreciated as key regulators of cellular function, a role for these factors in CD34+ cell-mediated angiogenesis has not been elucidated. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was previously shown to induce expression of certain miRs associated with angiogenesis in endothelial cells and promote survival and number of vascular colony forming units of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). We sought to evaluate the role of VEGF in expansion and angiogenic function of CD34+ cells and to identify specific miRs associated with angiogenic properties of expanded cells. Umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells were effectively expanded (18- to 22-fold) in culture medium containing stem cell factor (SCF), Flt-3 ligand (Flt-3), thrombopoietin (TPO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with (postEX/+VEGF) and without VEGF (postEX/noVEGF). Tube formation in matrigel assay and tissue perfusion/capillary density in mice ischaemic hindlimb were significantly improved by postEX/+VEGF cells compared with fresh CD34+ and postEX/noVEGF cells. MiR-210 expression was significantly up-regulated in postEX/+VEGF cells. MiR-210 inhibitor abrogated and 210 mimic recapitulated the pro-angiogenic effects by treatment of postEX/+VEGF and postEX/noVEGF cells respectively. Collectively, these observations highlight a critical role for VEGF in enhancing the angiogenic property of expanded cells, and identify miR-210 as a potential therapeutic target to enhance CD34+ stem cell function for the treatment of ischaemic vascular disease.     

Exposure to Hyperbaric Oxygen Intensified Vancomycin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

It has been suggested that oxidative stress is a potential mechanism for vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has been shown to be effective in treating renal toxicity that has been pharmacologically induced in animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HBO therapy on vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The study group comprised 36 Sprague Dawley male rats. We treated 30 with 500 mg/kg of intraperitoneal vancomycin once a day for 7 days. Half of these rats received a daily 1-hour treatment with HBO at 2 Atmospheres (ATM) on the same 7 days and formed the HBO+ group. The other 15 subjects received no HBO treatment (HBO- group). The remaining six rats served as the control group, three received HBO treatments alone and no treatment was administered to the other three rats. Laboratory results were obtained on day 8 and the intervention and control groups were compared. Rats in the HBO+ group gained less weight than the HBO- group (11.6 grams vs 22.6 grams; P = 0,008) and had significantly higher serum blood urea nitrogen (99.6 vs 52.6 mg/dL; P<0.001), serum creatinine (0.42 vs 0.16 mg/dL; P = 0.001) and magnesium (3.6 vs 3.1mg/dL; P = 0.014). The vancomycin blood levels were also higher in the HBO+ group (27.8 vs 6.7 μg/mL; P = 0.078). There were no pathological kidney changes in the control group. All the kidneys from the treated groups (vancomycin +HBO and vancomycin HBO-) showed moderate to severe histopathological changes with no statistical significance between them. This study demonstrated that exposure to hyperbaric oxygen intensified vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.     

高压氧预处理对SPS暴露大鼠学习记忆能力以及海马神经元凋亡的影响

目的:研究高压氧(HBO)预处理对SPS暴露大学学习记忆能力及其大脑海马神经元细胞凋亡的影响.方法:48只雄性Sprague-Dawley大鼠(体重220-260 g)随机分为4组(n=12):对照(sham)组,高压氧(HBO)组,SPS组以及高压氧+SPS组.高压氧组每天1小时高压氧预处理(2.5个大气压,100%O2)连续5天;SPS组采用单次延长应激模型;高压氧+SPS组每天l小时高压氧预处理连续5天于最后一次预处理后24小时,制作SPS模型.4组大鼠于SPS暴露后72小时进行TUNEL染色,第15天经行水迷宫测试.结果:水迷宫实验中大鼠逃避潜伏期及游泳路径四组之间有明显统计差异[F0.01(3,28)=4.88＞4.57,P＜0.01;F0.01(3,28)=5.31＞4.57,P＜0.01].SPS组明显长于Sham组(P＜0.01),而高压氧预处理能够逆转这种效应(P＜0.01).游泳速度四组之间无明显统计差异[F0.05(3,28)=2.23＜2.95,P＞0.05]. SPS暴露后海马神经元细胞数量和密度明显减少,给予高压氧预处理后,神经元形态明显好转,但仍不及对照组.结论:高压氧预处理可以减少海马神经元细胞凋亡从而改善SPS暴露后大鼠认知功能障碍.     

Response of blood vessels in vitro to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO): Modulation of VEGF and NOx release by external lactate or arginine

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is suggested to promote angiogenesis during wound healing, but the mechanisms involved are not understood. This study used a novel isolated blood vessel preparation to explore the effects of air, normobaric oxygen or hyperbaric oxygen (2.2 ATA for 90 min) on the angiogenesis factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nitrite and nitrate (NO_x), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lactate release from the tissue in normal Krebs Ringer, and the Ringer supplemented with either l-arginine, or 15 mM lactate to mimic a wound environment, or both (l-arginine + lactate). The in vitro blood vessel preparation remained viable during all experiments. There were no effects of HBO treatment on any of the parameters measured in normal Krebs Ringer, but some treatment-dependent effects were observed in supplemented Krebs Ringer. In the lactate supplemented Krebs Ringer, medium LDH levels increased in response to either normobaric oxygen (NBO) or HBO, compared to air alone. There were also small, but statistically significant increases in total glutathione due to HBO treatment, compared to NBO or air in the lactate supplemented medium, and in the combined supplement. There were no effects of HBO on NO_x, changes in external medium lactate levels, or tissue VEGF in any of the Krebs Ringers tested. However, post treatment increases in VEGF were observed in the lactate supplemented medium, and for lactate release into the medium for the combined supplement. We conclude that HBO does not cause NO or VEGF production from the blood vessel in normal Krebs Ringer, but the data from supplemented medium show that the response of the tissue is subtly affected by the chemical environment around the blood vessel, and the tissue is more responsive to HBO when wound conditions are mimicked.