Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its role in the central nervous system: a new element in the neurotrophic hypothesis of antidepressant drug action.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known cellular mitogen, and a vascular growth factor and permeability regulator. It participates in physiological and pathological processes of angiogenesis and in the development of lymphatic vessels. In addition to the proangiogenic activity, studies of recent years have revealed neurotrophic and neuroprotective potential of VEGF both in the peripheral and central nervous system.