Mast cells and angiogenesis.

Much data exists in the literature to suggest a correlation between mast cell accumulation and angiogenesis. This correlation exists for normal blood vessel growth as well as pathological vessel growth. The recruitment of mast cells to sites of angiogenesis is not completely understood. However, once at the site, mast cell products may act directly on endothelial cells to stimulate their migration and/or proliferation or may act indirectly by degrading connective tissue matrix to provide space for neovascular sprouts to form. Understanding the role of mast cells in angiogenesis may provide avenues for intervening in and manipulating the neovascularization process.