Endocrine Abstracts

Promotion of angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessel from preexisting blood vessels, is the focus of intense research and therapeutic efforts. In contrast, inhibition of endothelial cell growth and survival is a strategy to target many proliferative diseases. Various studies have shown that angiogenic growth factors are produced and secreted by normal endocrine cells and are increased in pathological states, including inflammation and hyperplasia. Importantly, angiogenesis plays a key role in the development of neoplastic disease which affects a number of endocrine glands.

In this paper, I will present the methods to study angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. I will include the results from current studies on the role of angiogenesis factors that ultimately regulate the mechanical properties of the vascular milieu, matricellular protein expression and function and the availability of angiogenesis-regulating growth factors such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). In addition, I will discuss current and novel targets for inhibiting angiogenesis which could be exploited to develop new and improved therapeutic approaches for the treatment of endocrine neoplastic disease.