Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor improves the survival of ischaemic skin flaps by the induction of angiogenesis

G-CSF promotes angiogenesis by increasing the number of activated and proliferating endothelial cells within the ischaemic flaps by the resettlement of G-CSF-stimulated endothelial progenitor cells into the ischaemic tissue. The overall result is an improved survival of ischaemic skin flaps. These effects are more pronounced when G-CSF is introduced 2 days prior to flap elevation.