[Angiogenic factors].

Angiogenesis is an important step in tumor growth. From tumor angiogenic factor (TAF) to angiogenin, 14 years of research led to purification, sequencing and cloning of a strong tumor angiogenic factor. Tumor angiogenesis can be inhibited by a cartilage factor, by protamine or by heparin plus cortisone. Heparin by its interactions with the growth factor has an interesting pharmacological role in the angiogenesis phenomenon. Its effect on the growth of vascular cells (endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts) seems promising.