Angiogenesis is the development of new blood vessels from an existing vascular bed. Normal vascular proliferation occurs only during embryonic development, the female reproductive cycle, and wound repair. Many pathological conditions are characterized by persistent, unregulated angiogenesis, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetic neuropathy. Conversely, inadequate angiogenesis can often lead to chronic pressure ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and myocardial infarction. Control of vascular development will permit new therapeutic approaches to these disorders, whereas enhancement of angiogenesis by exogenous growth factors can prevent or limit the damage in chronic wounds and duodenal ulcers
