Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
Vasculogenesis
Process of embryonic blood vessel formation From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
Vasculogenesis is the process of blood vessel formation, occurring by a de novo production of endothelial cells.[1] It is the first stage of the formation of the vascular network, closely followed by angiogenesis.[2][3]
This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2009) |
![]() | It has been suggested that Vascularisation and Neovascularization be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since February 2025. |
Remove ads
Process
In the sense distinguished from angiogenesis, vasculogenesis is different in one aspect: whereas angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, vasculogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels, in blood islands, when there are no pre-existing ones.[4] For example, if a monolayer of endothelial cells begins sprouting to form capillaries, angiogenesis is occurring. Vasculogenesis, in contrast, is when endothelial precursor cells (angioblasts) migrate and differentiate in response to local cues (such as growth factors and extracellular matrices) to form new blood vessels. These vascular trees are then pruned and extended through angiogenesis.
Remove ads
Occurrences
Vasculogenesis occurs during embryonic development of the circulatory system. Specifically, around blood islands, which first arise in the mesoderm of the yolk sac at 3 weeks of development.[5]
Vasculogenesis can also arise in the adult organism from circulating endothelial progenitor cells (derivatives of stem cells). These cells are able to contribute, albeit to varying degrees, to neovascularization. Examples of where vasculogenesis can occur in adults are:
- Tumor growth (see HP59)
- Revascularization or neovascularization after trauma, for example, after cardiac ischemia or retinal ischemia
- Endometriosis - It appears that up to 37% of the microvascular endothelium of the ectopic endometrial tissue originates from endothelial progenitor cells.[6]
Remove ads
See also
References
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads