Angiogenesis in the lung

• Published in: The Journal of physiology 2019-02, Vol.597 (4), p.1023-1032
• Main Authors: Eldridge, Lindsey, Wagner, Elizabeth M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Animals; Arteries; Asthma; Blood Vessels - growth & development; Blood Vessels - physiology; Bronchial artery; Capillaries; Carcinoma; Cell proliferation; Complications; Cystic fibrosis; Endothelial cells; Endothelium; Growth factors; Humans; Hypoxia; Lung - blood supply; Lung - physiology; Lung diseases; Molecular modelling; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Pulmonary artery; Reviews and Research Papers; Thromboembolism; Topical Review
• ISSN: 0022-3751; 1469-7793
• DOI: 10.1113/JP275860

Both systemic (tracheal and bronchial) and pulmonary circulations perfuse the lung. However, documentation of angiogenesis of either is complicated by the presence of the other. Well‐documented angiogenesis of the systemic circulations have been identified in asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic thromboembolism and primary carcinomas. Angiogenesis of the vasa vasorum, which are branches of bronchial arteries, is seen in the walls of large pulmonary vessels after a period of chronic hypoxia. Documentation of increased pulmonary capillaries has been shown in models of chronic hypoxia, after pneumonectomy and in some carcinomas. Although endothelial cell proliferation may occur as part of the repair process in several pulmonary diseases, it is separate from the unique establishment of new functional perfusing networks defined as angiogenesis. Identification of the mechanisms driving the expansion of new vascular beds in the adult needs further investigation. Yet the growth factors and molecular mechanisms of lung angiogenesis remain difficult to separate from underlying disease sequelae.  Both systemic (tracheal and bronchial) and pulmonary circulations perfuse the lung. Well‐documented angiogenesis of the systemic circulations has been identified in asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic thromboembolism and primary carcinomas. Angiogenesis of the vasa vasorum (VV) of large pulmonary vessels occurs during chronic hypoxia. Increased vascularity of pulmonary capillaries has been reported in models of chronic hypoxia, after pneumonectomy, and some carcinomas. (Red depicts systemic vessels, blue depicts pulmonary vessels.)