[VEGF in age-related macular degeneration. Part I. Physiologic and pathologic role of VEGF].

VEGF, an endothelial specific growth factor, stimulates vascular permeability and angiogenesis. VEGF is involved in many physiological and pathological processes including embryogenesis, wound healing, tumor growth, choroidal neovascularization and many others. Authors discuss VEGF structure, known isoforms and their mechanisms of function, focusing on VEGF influence on eye tissues.