Kidney vasculogenesis and angiogenesis: role of vascular endothelial growth factor

Abstract

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in the establishment of the vascular tree pattern. New vessels can be formed by two different ways; in the development of kidney both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis participate to microvessel assembly. VEGF and its receptor (VEGF-R) are co-expressed during kidney organogenesis and stimulate renal blood vessels development, induce and maintain the fenestrated phenotype in endothelium and regulate vascular permeability. VEGF and many other growth factors participate to the development of embryonic glomerular microvasculature. We believe that therapeutical use of VEGF or anti-VEGF antibodies may be performed in the treatment of many disorders.