Figure 1.

Mathematical model. (a) FGF and VEGF are released from mechanically ruptured endothelial cells (dashed red rectangular) and diffuse in the extracellular medium, to bind to cell‐surface receptors. (b) Growth factor‐receptor binding initiates intra‐ and intercellular calcium signalling. In cells immediately adjacent to a ruptured cell, cell‐surface receptor binding activates PLCγ, which hydrolyzes PIP₂ into IP₃. IP₃ releases calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through IP₃‐sensitive channels. PLCδ responds to the increased calcium by producing more IP₃. Calcium and IP₃ pass through gap junctions, releasing calcium from the ER in neighbouring cells, thus, intercellular calcium signalling. FGF, fibroblast growth factor; HSPG, heparan sulfate proteoglycan; PLC, phospholipase C; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factors.