Microvascular endothelial cells of the corpus luteum |
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Authors: | Email author" target="_blank">John?S?DavisEmail author Bo?R?Rueda Katherina?Spanel-Borowski |
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Institution: | (1) Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198 and VA Medical Center, 68105 Omaha, Nebraska, USA;(2) Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, Massachusetts, USA;(3) Department of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 13, 04103 Leipzig, Germany |
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Abstract: | The cyclic nature of the capillary bed in the corpus luteum offers a unique experimental model to examine the life cycle of
endothelial cells, involving discrete physiologically regulated steps of angiogenesis, blood vessel maturation and blood vessel
regression. The granulosa cells and theca cells of the developing antral follicle and the steroidogenic cells of the corpus
luteum produce and respond to angiogenic factors and vasoactive peptides. Following ovulation the neovascularization during
the early stages of corpus luteum development has been compared to the rapid angiogenesis observed during tumor formation.
On the other end of the spectrum, the microvascular endothelial cells are the first cells to undergo apoptosis at the onset
of corpus luteum regression. Important insights on the morphology and function of luteal endothelial cells have been gained
from a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies on endothelial cells. Endothelial cells communicate with cells comprising the functional unit of the corpus luteum,
i.e., other vascular cells, steroidogenic cells, and immune cells. This review is designed to provide an overview of the types
of endothelial cells present in the corpus luteum and their involvement in corpus luteum development and regression. Available
evidence indicates that microvascular endothelial cells of the corpus luteum are not alike, and may differ during the process
of angiogenesis and angioregression. The contributions of vasoactive peptides generated by the luteal endothelin-1 and the
renin-angiotensin systems are discussed in context with the function of endothelial cells during corpus luteum formation and
regression. The ability of two cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma, are evaluated as paracrine mediators
of endothelial cell function during angioregression. Finally, chemokines are discussed as a vital endothelial cell secretory
products that contribute to the recruitment of eosinophils and macrophages. The review highlights areas for future investigation
of ovarian microvascular endothelial cells. The potential clinical applications of research directed on corpus luteum endothelial
cells are intriguing considering reproductive processes in which vascular dysfunctions may play a role such as ovarian failure,
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). |
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