VEGF: an update on biological and therapeutic aspects

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2000 Dec;11(6):617-24. doi: 10.1016/s0958-1669(00)00153-1.

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell-specific mitogen and an angiogenic inducer as well as a mediator of vascular permeability. VEGF is essential for developmental angiogenesis and is also required for female reproductive functions and endochondral bone formation. Substantial evidence also implicates VEGF in tumors and intraocular neovascular syndromes. Currently, several clinical trials are ongoing to test the hypothesis that the inhibition of VEGF activity may be beneficial for these conditions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Edema / prevention & control
  • Capillary Permeability
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphokines / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Lymphokines / physiology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / prevention & control
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Substances

  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Lymphokines
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors