Angiogenesis in endocrine glands: special reference to the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor.
Recent studies have shown that several angiogenic growth factors are produced and secreted by normal endocrine cells and are increased in pathological states of endocrine glands, including inflammation, hyperplasia, and neoplasia. Expression of corresponding receptors on epithelial cells and/or endothelial cells enables these angiogenic factors to influence growth and function of the endocrine tissues by auto- or paracrine mechanisms. Some of the angiogenic factors are also considered to be involved in angiogenesis, which is a critical process in tumor formation and progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is regarded as one of most important angiogenic factors with specific effects on endothelial cell growth and vascular permeability, and is isolated from a variety of normal and neoplastic endocrine cells. In this article, recent studies on angiogenic factors, especially on expression of VEGF, are reviewed in the field of endocrine systems.
Katoh
Ryohei
R
Department of Pathology, Yamanashi Medical University, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan. rkatoh@res.yamanashi-med.ac.jp
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004701:Endocrine Gland Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors