REGULATIONS OF VASCULATROPIN VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH-FACTOR BIOAVAILABILITY

Angiogenesis is a key step in organ development and remodelling during embryogenesis or tissue regeneration. Some pathological events such a s tumor growth or diabetic retinopathy also lead to angiogenesis forma tion. Several molecules have already been identified as promoting angi ogenesis in vivo. We have recently purified a new angiogenic growth fa ctor. Its unique specificity for vascular endothelial cells led us to provisionally name it vasculotropin (VAS) or vascular endothelial grow th factor (VEGF) or vascular permeability factor (VPF). In vitro, desp ite a moderate action on proliferation, VAS/VEGF strongly stimulates c ell migration. In vivo, VAS/VEGF is a potent inducer of angiogenesis a nd vascular permeability. Its central role in angiogenesis is emphasiz ed by the observation that its immunoneutralization prevents tumor pro gression.