Angiogenesis Inhibitors and Stimulators

The regulation of blood vessel growth underlies many normal biological processes such as reproduction, development, repair and wound healing. It also is a critical feature of pathological processes such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, inflammatory arthritis and ischemic heart disease. What causes blood vessels to grow? What inhibits their growth? This book comprehensively describes the angiogenic proteins that enhance and inhibit normal and abnormal angiogenesis. It describes the potential therapeutic applications of basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, PECAM-1 and thrombospondin as well as other factors. The book brings together information about new blood vessel formation in many organ systems and comprises an outstanding resource on the state-of-the art in angiogenesis.