a peptide released from vascular endothelial cells and other cells in response to hypoxia, ischemia, or hypoglycemia. VEGF promotes angiogenesis. Interaction of VEGF with VEGF-2 receptor induces the full spectrum of VEGF biologic responses in endothelial cells, including permeability enhancement, cellular proliferation, and migration. VEGF is released continuously to maintain the survival of the microvasculature of a tissue. Inhibition of VEGF production by hyperoxia results in regression of surplus microvascular elements.