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vascularisation

(Science: physiology) growth of blood vessels into a tissue with the result that the oxygen and nutrient supply is improved.

Vascularisation of tumours is usually a prelude to more rapid growth and often to metastasis, excessive vascularisation of the retina in diabetic retinopathy can lead indirectly to retinal detachment.

Vascularisation seems to be triggered by angiogenesis factors that stimulate endothelial cell proliferation and migration.

See: angiogenin, tumour angiogenesis factor.