Objectives To observe the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） slow-release microcapsules on angiogenesis in infarcted myocardial regions. Methods.Myocardial infarction was induced in 24 New Zealand rabbits by ligating the root of left anterior descending coronary artery.Group Ⅰ（n=8） served as control

group Ⅱ（n=8） as a blank microcapsule group

group Ⅲ（n=8

each microcapsule contains 1μg bFGF） as micrpcapsule group.In group Ⅱ and Ⅲ

5 blank microcapsules or bFGF slow-release microcapsules were implanted into myocardium underneath the epicardium between the left anterior descending coronary artery and left circumflex artery.Infarct size was evaluated by infarcted weight/left ventricle weight ratio and angiogenesis was evaluated by immunohistochemical examinations 5 weeks later. [WT5”BX] Results.As compared with group Ⅰ and Ⅱ

rabbits treated with bFGF slow-release microcapsules showed higher microvessel counts （group Ⅰ3775±450

group Ⅱ3837±498

vs.group Ⅲ 13550±481

P<0001） and less infarcted weight /left ventricle weight （group Ⅰ168%±04%

group Ⅱ167%±05%

vs.group Ⅲ 70%±02%

P<0001）. Conclusions.Subepicardial administration of bFGF slow-release microcapsule in the infarcted rabbit model results in effective angiogenesis and reduction in infarct size.