Figure 4. Mechanisms of strain-dependent angiogenesis

Schematic diagram illustrating mechanisms of strain-dependent angiogenesis. The molecular equilibrium between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic growth factors may play a role in establishing mouse strain-dependent differences in resting vascular density and surface area, and the extent of responses to angiogenic stimuli. We speculate that such differences may also be predictive of susceptibility to angiogenesis-dependent diseases. The growth factors of interest are basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pigment epithelium derived growth factor (PEDF).