Regulation and manipulation of angiogenesis in the primate corpus luteum

Intense physiological angiogenesis occurs during the early stages of luteal development, providing a model in which the complex processes regulating t he angiogenic pathway may be studied. Here, a working hypothesis is present ed to explain the diverse changes in the vasculature of the corpus luteum t hat occur over a short period, based around changes in vascular endothelial growth factor, the angiopoietins and matrix metalloproteinases. An illustr ation is given of how angiogenesis can be monitored in a primate model and how the role of individual angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor may be explored in vivo. Because of the marked effect of inhi bition of angiogenesis on luteal function, it is predicted that the normal processes of follicular development, ovulation and luteal function could al l be profoundly influenced by the manipulation of angiogenesis.