Angiogenesis of the endometrium

Objective: To present current data pertaining to angiogenesis of the endome trium throughout the normal menstrual cycle and in benign and neoplastic di seases of the endometrium. Sources: We conducted a computerized search of MEDLINE, Current Contents, a nd Index Medicus for relevant studies in the English literature published b etween January 1966 and October 1998. Study selection: We reviewed all studies that included human and animal mod els of angiogenesis of normal cyclic endometrium and benign and neoplastic endometrial diseases. Tabulation, Integration, and Results: Angiogenesis is important to cyclic, regenerating endometria and disease processes including dysfunctional uteri ne bleeding, response to exogenous hormonal treatment, bleeding associated with intrauterine contraceptive devices, uterine leiomyomata, endometriosis , complex endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrial carcinoma. Conclusion: In the future, knowledge of specific angiogenic patterns of var ious disease processes might improve application of antiangiogenic medicati ons in therapies for benign and neoplastic diseases of the endometrium. (C) 1999 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.