The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in the regulation of development and functioning of the brain: New target molecules for pharmacotherapy

Abstract

There is evidence that members of the VEGF family are involved in the crucial processes in the brain: atherosclerosis, cerebral edema, neuroprotection, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, postischemic brain and vessel repair. Most of these effects are mediated by VEGF-A and the VEGFR-2 receptor. VEGF signaling pathways contain some potential targets relevant for pharmacological agents applicable for therapy of neurological diseases affecting the brain.