Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
VEGF is an essential molecule for glomerular structuring
Y Kitamoto1, H Tokunaga, K Miyamoto
1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Kumamoto 860 8556, Japan.
Abstract:
Since glomerular development is regarded as angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, there should be angiogenic cytokines which mediate glomerulogenesis. In the developing kidney, messages of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors are expressed in epithelial and endothelial cells of the glomerulus, respectively. In vivo, suppression of VEGF activity by neutralizing antibody seriously interrupts glomerulogenesis. Typically, there are no endothelial cells in the abnormal glomerulus. Structural changes of the glomerulus were clear by observing vascular castings of renal vessels. Although structures of arteries and arterioles were not impaired, the capillary lumen of the glomerulus was completely lost or interrupted halfway through development. It is concluded that VEGF is secreted from the Bowman's capsule, and stimulates endothelial or endothelial progenitor cells in a paracrine fashion to form the glomerulus.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanism of Angiogenesis
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Collagens are the Major Structural Proteins of ECM
Connective tissue proper includes loose...
Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins
Embryonic Connective Tissues
The mesenchyme is the first connective tissue that emerges in the developing embryo. It consists of loosely arranged multipotent mesenchymal cells and reticular fibers in the extracellular matrix. This loose arrangement allows easy migration of cells, which is essential for germ layer positioning, patterning, and organ morphogenesis during embryonic development. Mesenchyme is...

