The role of fibroblast growth factor-2 in the vascularization of the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane

The CAM is an extraembryonic membrane which serves as a gas exchange surface and its respiratory function is provided by an extensive capillary network. The development of the vascular system of the CAM is a complex, highly regulated process that depends on genetic and epigenetic factors expressed by endothelial and non-endothelial cells. In spite of the evidence that several growth factors are angiogenic in the CAM assay, poorly investigated is their role in the development of the CAM's vascular system. This article reviews our studies concerning the role of exogenous and endogenous fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) in the CAM vascularization. The findings in all these studies support the importance of FGF-2 as an autocrine paracrine stimulator of angiogenesis and its key role in the development of the vascular system in the avian embryo.