Angiogenesis in multiple sclerosis: is it good, bad or an epiphenomenon?

Characteristic pathological features of multiple sclerosis (MS) include inflammation, demyelination and axonal and oligodendrocyte loss. In addition, lesions can also have a significant vascular component. In this review, morphological, biochemical and radiological evidence is presented suggesting angiogenesis as a potential focus for investigation in MS. We hypothesize that angiogenesis plays a significant role in the MS lesion, perpetuating disease progression. Thus, treatment strategies that inhibit angiogenesis may decrease clinical and pathological signs of disease. Several approaches for testing this hypothesis are outlined. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.