Vascular endothelial growth factor in the lung.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a pluripotent growth and permeability factor that has a broad impact on endothelial cell function. The lung tissue is very rich in this protein; many different lung cells produce VEGF and also respond to VEGF. VEGF is critical for the development of the lung and serves as a maintenance factor during adult life. In addition to the physiological functions of this protein, there is increasing evidence that VEGF also plays a role in several acute and chronic lung diseases, such as acute lung injury, severe pulmonary hypertension, and emphysema. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the rapidly expanding literature.
Voelkel
Norbert F
NF
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, 4200 E. Ninth Ave., C272, Denver, CO 80262, USA. norbert.voelkel@uchsc.edu
Vandivier
R William
RW
Tuder
Rubin M
RM
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology; D004646:Emphysema / Q000503:physiopathology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D018496:Hyperoxia / Q000503:physiopathology; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000503:physiopathology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011506:Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology
D008565:Membrane Proteins; C098069:PIGF protein, human; D011506:Proteins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor