Angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the equine corpus luteum

Precise pharmacological control of the corpus luteum is by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The important in the manipulation of the oestrous cycle in proliferation index of endothelial cells was intense in mares. Angiogenesis plays a key role in the growth and the early luteal phase. The early and mid-luteal phases regression of the corpus luteum; therefore, influencing the were characterized by a dense network of capillaries. vasculature of the corpus luteum may offer a novel method The microvasculature started to regress by day 14. After for controlling its lifespan. In the present study, changes administration of PGF2(alpha), vasodilation was observed after in angiogenesis and vascular expression of endothelial 12 h, but after 36 h, luteal degeneration was accompanied growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated throughout the luteal by a significant decrease in vascularity. VEGF mRNA and phase and after PGF2(alpha)-induced luteolysis. Corpora lutea protein were expressed mainly in the luteal cells during were collected from mares in the early luteal phase the early and mid-luteal phases and expression declined (days 3-4), mid-luteal phase (day 10), early regression at early regression (day 14). However, immunostaining for (day 14), late regression (day 17), and at 12 and 36 h VEGF protein was high in late luteal regression (day 17) and after administration of PGF2(alpha) on day 10 of the oestrous 36 h after PGF2(alpha) administration. These findings indicate cycle. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize Von a close temporal association between VEGF expression Willebrand factor and Ki67 in endothelial and proliferating and angiogenesis in the equine corpus luteum during its cells, respectively. VEGF mRNA and protein were localized functional lifespan.