The role of heparin in angiogenesis.
A series of experiments is described in which: (i) mast cells were found to accumulate at a tumour site before the ingrowth of new capillaries; (ii) heparin released by mast cells increased the migration of capillary endothelial cells in vitro; and (iii) heparin enhanced tumour angiogenesis in vivo. These experiments led to the discovery that protamine and platelet factor 4 are angiogenesis inhibitors. This finding suggests a central role for heparin or related glycosaminoglycans in the growth regulation of capillary blood vessels.
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000502:physiology; D002356:Cartilage / Q000032:analysis; D006493:Heparin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000503:physiopathology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D010978:Platelet Factor 4 / Q000502:physiology; D011479:Protamines / Q000494:pharmacology
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D011479:Protamines; D010978:Platelet Factor 4; D006493:Heparin