Angiogénesis en la fisiología reproductiva. Desarrollo folicular, formación y mantenimiento del cuerpo lúteo / Angiogenesis in reproductive physiology. Follicular development, formation and maintenance of the corpus luteum

RESUMO

The process of new capillary formations from previously existing mature vessels in healthy individuals has been mainly studied during cycles of the female reproductive tract. This new capillary formation, known as angiogenesis is related to endogenous regulators that both stimulates or inhibits it. Knowledge on the role of both stimulators and inhibitors under physiological and pathological conditions accentuates a main role of VEGF, FGF, angiogenin and angiopoietics among the formers; and main role of angiostatin and endostatin among the latters. In recent years, angiogenesis in the ovaries that leads to follicular and luteal growth and development has been extensively studied. Whether a number of endogenous stimulators and inhibitors have been identified, the molecular link between the endocrine and vascular system is not fully understood. Therefore, efforts to formulate questions that need answers must be made.