Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in ovarian physiology and pathology

Objective: To review the current literature on the role of vascular endothe lial growth factor/vascular permeability factor (VEGF/VPF) in ovarian physi ology and pathology. Design: A computerized search was conducted to identify relevant in vitro a nd in vivo studies published in English. MEDLINE, Current Contents, and the Index Medicus were searched for studies published before January 2000. Result(s): VEGF/VPF is an angiogenic factor and a potent mitogen for vascul ar endothelium. During reproductive life, VEGF/VPF plays a role in the cycl ic growth of ovarian follicles and corpus luteum development and maintenanc e, mediating ovarian angiogenesis. VEGF/VPF expression and secretion are in duced by both FSH and LH/hCG receptor-activated pathways. Conclusion(s): VEGF/VPF expression and production within the ovary are crit ical for normal reproductive function. Defects in angiogenesis may contribu te to a variety of disorders including anovulation and infertility, pregnan cy loss, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and ovarian neoplasms. (Fertil Steril(R) 2000;74:429-38. (C) 2000 by American Society for Reproductive Med icine.).