The present invention describes methods for inhibiting angiogenesis in tissues using vitronectin alpha v beta 5 antagonists. The alpha v beta 5-mediated angiogenesis is correlated with exposure to cytokines including vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor- alpha and epidermal growth factor. Inhibition of alpha v beta 5-mediated angiogenesis is particularly preferred in vascular endothelial ocular neovascular diseases, in tumor growth and in inflammatory conditions, using therapeutic compositions containing alpha v beta 5 antagonists.