Objective To explore the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor( VEGF) on microcirculation reconstruction and flap viability on ischemic skin pedicle flaps. Methods:~24 Wistar rats were used as animal model and divided into two groups with 12 rats in each group: VEGF group and blank group. An ischemic skin flap measuring 7cm X 1cm was established on the back of each rat with pedicle at the tail side

0. 2ug VEGF in 2ml of NS and NS2mI were locally injected into pedical bases of flaps respectively. The viable rate of the skin flaps and dermovascular density of each flap were investigated by histological and histo - morphometrical examinations. Electron microscopy study was used to observe the structures and functions of fibroblast. Results : There was sig nificant difference in the viable rate between VEGF group and blank group on the seventh postoperation day. Be sides

derrnovascular densities were markedly increased in VEGF group in comparison with the blank group. Conclusion : VEGF can accelerate the vascularization of the ischemic skin flap and enhance the viable rate of the flap.