Expression and control of vascular endothelial cells: proliferation and differentiation by fibroblast growth factors.

Evidence from in vitro studies supports the concept that growth factors could be involved in the development and function of the vascular tree. Among the growth factors known to influence vascular endothelial cells' proliferation and differentiation, in vitro, are the fibroblast growth factors. These consist of two closely, structurally, related polypeptides that differ by their isoelectric point and have been called basic and acidic fibroblast growth factor. These growth factors, in particular basic fibroblast growth factor, which is expressed and synthesized by vascular endothelial cells, could influence the development, remodeling, and function of the vascular tree through regulating mechanisms involving paracrine and autocrine control of cell proliferation and differentiation.