The rapid, controlled and cyclical nature of angiogenesis in the female rep
roductive tract suggests that interference with this process should provide
a novel approach to manipulation of reproductive function. Many factors in
volved in the regulation of angiogenesis have been identified, and the poss
ibility of stimulating or inhibiting these paracrine control mechanisms is
being addressed using current advances in the development of angiogenic and
anti-angiogenic compounds. Studies with animal models indicate that the no
rmal processes of folliculogenesis, ovulation and corpus luteum function in
the ovary, and the control of menstruation and implantation in the endomet
rium could be profoundly influenced by manipulation of angiogenesis. Novel
therapeutic agents targeted to the angiogenic pathway may also have a wide
range of applications in pathological processes in the reproductive tract s
uch as cancer, endometriosis, fibroid growth, and ovarian hyperstimulation
syndrome.