Angiogenesis in the thyroid gland.
Angiogenesis is the mechanism of blood vessel formation after the first few days of embryogenesis, and is essential for all tissue growth. In adults, angiogenesis occurs in the thyroid during disease processes including goitre, Graves' disease, thyroiditis and cancer. The molecular mechanisms controlling angiogenesis are becoming clearer, and therapy targeting these processes is coming closer to clinical fruition. Both promoters and inhibitors of angiogenesis have been identified in the thyroid, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor, and thrombospondin. This commentary will review the understanding of the control of angiogenesis within the context of the thyroid gland, and review the pre-eminent role of VEGF as the angiogenic signal from the follicular cells to the endothelial cells.
Ramsden
J D
JD
Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK.
D000328:Adult; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D015398:Signal Transduction; D019699:Thrombospondins / Q000378:metabolism; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000098:blood supply*; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D019699:Thrombospondins; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases