Physiology of angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis is a key prerequisite for growth in all vertebrate embryos and in many tumors. Rapid growth requires efficient transport of oxygen and metabolites. Hence, for a better understanding of tissue growth, biophysical properties of vascular systems, in addition to their molecular mechanisms, need to be investigated. The purpose of this article is twofold: (1) to discuss the biophysics of growing and perfused vascular systems in general, emphasizing non-sprouting angiogenesis and remodeling of vascular plexuses; and (2) to report on cellular details of sprouting angiogenesis in the initially non-perfused embryonic brain and spinal cord. It is concluded that (1) evolutionary optimization of the circulatory system corresponds to highly conserved vascular patterns and angiogenetic mechanisms; (2) deterministic and random processes contribute to both extraembryonic and central nervous system vascularization; (3) endothelial cells interact with a variety of periendothelial cells during angiogenesis and remodeling; and that (4) mathematical models integrating molecular, morphological and biophysical expertise improve our understanding of normal and pathological angiogenesis and account for allometric relations.
Institute of Anatomy II, University of Freiburg, Germany. kurzhaym@uni-freiburg.de
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D000482:Allantois / Q000098:blood supply; D000818:Animals; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000196:embryology; D019070:Cell Lineage; D002465:Cell Movement; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000098:blood supply / Q000196:embryology; D002823:Chorion / Q000098:blood supply; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000098:blood supply; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000254:growth & development; D006439:Hemodynamics; D018056:Hemorheology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D009432:Neural Crest / Q000166:cytology; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology