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Definition: What are the mechanisms of vessel formation during angiogenesis?

1. Sprouting angiogenesis:

– Sprouting angiogenesis is the most well-known mechanism of vessel formation during angiogenesis.

– It involves the sprouting of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones.

– Endothelial cells, which line the inner surface of blood vessels, play a crucial role in sprouting angiogenesis.

– The process starts with the activation of endothelial cells, followed by their proliferation and migration towards the site of angiogenesis.

– Once at the site, endothelial cells form sprouts, which elongate and eventually form new blood vessels.

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2. Intussusceptive angiogenesis:

– Intussusceptive angiogenesis is an alternative mechanism of vessel formation during angiogenesis.

– It involves the splitting or branching of existing blood vessels without the sprouting of new vessels.

– This process occurs through the formation of transvascular tissue pillars, which divide the vessel lumen into smaller channels.

– The tissue pillars are formed by the growth and fusion of endothelial cell extensions from opposite vessel walls.

– Intussusceptive angiogenesis is particularly important in the remodeling and expansion of existing blood vessels.

3. Vasculogenesis:

– Vasculogenesis is the de novo formation of blood vessels during embryonic development.

– It involves the differentiation and organization of endothelial precursor cells, known as angioblasts, into functional blood vessels.

– Angioblasts aggregate to form blood islands, which then undergo vascular remodeling to form a primitive vascular plexus.

– This plexus further develops into a mature network of blood vessels through sprouting angiogenesis and vessel fusion.

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4. Recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs):

– Circulating EPCs are bone marrow-derived cells that contribute to vessel formation during angiogenesis.

– These cells are mobilized from the bone marrow and recruited to the site of angiogenesis.

– Once at the site, EPCs differentiate into endothelial cells and participate in vessel formation.

– The recruitment of EPCs is particularly important in tissue repair and regeneration processes.

In summary, the mechanisms of vessel formation during angiogenesis include sprouting angiogenesis, intussusceptive angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and the recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitor cells. These mechanisms ensure the growth and development of functional blood vessels in various physiological and pathological conditions.

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Keywords: angiogenesis, vessels, vessel, formation, endothelial, during, sprouting, mechanisms, intussusceptive