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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2015 Mar 1.
Published in final edited form as: Clin Perinatol. 2013 Dec 12;41(1):47–67. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2013.09.007

Figure 4. Mechanisms underlying fragility of germinal matrix vasculature.

Figure 4

Hypoxic germinal matrix triggers upregulation of VEGF and angiopoieitn-2 expression. These growth factors induce angiogenesis. The angiogenic vessels of the germinal matrix exhibit paucity of pericytes and deficiency of fibronectin in immature basal lamina. Additionally, astrocyte endfeet in the germinal matrix vasculature display reduced expression of GFAP. These factors contribute to the fragility of the germinal matrix.