Angiogenesis is the development of new blood vessels from existing blood vessels. Vascular endothelial progenitor cells may be locally or bone marrow derived. Angiogenesis is important in embryogenesis, during which it is tightly regulated by specific activators for a short time and then down regulated. Normal adult blood vessels are quiescent, except in some disease states. Malignant cells hijack angiogenic pathways to enable their growth, and metastatic potential. Discreet steps: -post capillary venules show degradation of basement membranes - endothelial cells migrate toward the tumour form tubular structures - poor basement membrane leaks macromolecules.
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