Figure 3.

Possible roles for Schwann cell-derived VEGF in peripheral nerves. Schwann cells secrete VEGF, but also several other gliotrophic and neurotrophic factors. VEGF stimulates the growth and patterning of blood vessels (1) and is likely to help protect motor and sensory neurons (2). In addition, VEGF is thought to protect Schwann cells and stimulate their proliferation and migration in an autocrine loop (3). It is not yet known if paracrine VEGF sources for Schwann cells exist in peripheral nerves.