Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a pluripotent growth and permeability factor that has a broad impact on endothelial cell function. The lung tissue is very rich in this protein; many different lung cells produce VEGF and also respond to VEGF. VEGF is critical for the development of the lung and serves as a maintenance factor during adult life. In addition to the physiological functions of this protein, there is increasing evidence that VEGF also plays a role in several acute and chronic lung diseases, such as acute lung injury, severe pulmonary hypertension, and emphysema. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the rapidly expanding literature.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Asthma / physiopathology
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Emphysema / physiopathology
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Endothelial Cells / drug effects
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Endothelial Cells / physiology
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Fetal Distress / physiopathology
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Humans
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Hyperoxia / physiopathology
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Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology
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Infant, Newborn
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Lung / cytology
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Lung / embryology
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Lung / growth & development
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Lung / physiology*
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Lung Diseases / physiopathology*
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Lung Neoplasms / physiopathology
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Membrane Proteins
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Proteins / physiology
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Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / physiology
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Respiratory Distress Syndrome / physiopathology
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Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn
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Signal Transduction / physiology
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A* / biosynthesis
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A* / physiology
Substances
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Membrane Proteins
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PIGF protein, human
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Proteins
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
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Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor