¡¾Abstract¡¿ AIM: To investigate whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene plasmid carried by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vascular grafts can be transfered to endothelial cells (ECs) and promote the growth of ECs. METHODS: The PTFE vascular grafts carrying pCDIª²hVEGF121 or pCDI were soaked in normal saline. The optical density of the solution at 260 nm and the DNA concentration were measured at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h, then the release curve was made. ECs were derived from human umbilical vein. ECs were seeded on the PTFE materials carrying pCDIª²hVEGF121 or pCDI, the number of ECs was counted and VEGF protein concentration was measured by ELISA method at 6, 24, 72 and 120 h. RESULTS: The release curve showed the plasmid was released quickly during 0.5ª² 4 h, then slowly, but continuously even after 72 h. At 24, 72 and 120 h, the number and proliferation rate of ECs on PTFE materials carrying pCDIª²hVEGF121 were higher than those on PTFE materials carrying pCDI (P<0.05). VEGF protein concentration of the former was higher than that of the latter at 6, 24, 72 and 120 h (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The PTFE graft can be used as a carrier of VEGF gene plasmid and help VEGF gene transfection into ECs for promoting the growth of ECs. ......