Arterial regeneration by collateral artery growth (arteriogenesis)

Abstract

After birth, blood vessel growth is limited to two major processes. The growth of new capillaries by sprouting or intussusception (see Glossary) after the emergence of ischemia is called angiogenesis. By contrast, arteriogenesis describes the formation of collateral arteries from a pre-existing arteriolar network after the occlusion of a major artery. Physical forces, particularly fluid shear stress, induced by the increased blood velocity owing to low distal pressure, are triggers of arteriogenesis. In vivo models for arteriogenesis have been employed in different species to evaluate the mechanisms and to develop potential therapeutic approaches.