Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in ovarian physiology and pathology

Objective: To review the current literature on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor (VEGF/VPF) in ovarian physiology and pathology. Design: A computerized search was conducted to identify relevant in vitro and in vivo studies published in English. MEDLINE, Current Contents, and the Index Medicus were searched for studies published before January 2000. Result(s): VEGF/VPF is an angiogenic factor and a potent mitogen for vascular endothelium. During reproductive life, VEGF/VPF plays a role in the cyclic growth of ovarian follicles and corpus luteum development and maintenance, mediating ovarian angiogenesis. VEGF/VPF expression and secretion are induced by both FSH and LH/hCG receptor-activated pathways. Conclusion(s): VEGF/VPF expression and production within the ovary are critical for normal reproductive function. Defects in angiogenesis may contribute to a variety of disorders including anovulation and infertility, pregnancy loss, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and ovarian neoplasms. (Fertil Steril(R) 2000;74:429-38. (C) 2000 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.).