Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during folliculogenesis and corpus luteum formation in the human ovary

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested to be involved in angiogenesis and microvascular hyperpermeability. We examined immunohistochemically the expression of VEGF in the granulosa and theca cells, along with that of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), in the vascular endothelium during the course of follicular development and corpora lutea formation in human ovaries. The immunolocalization of VEGF in these cells was compared with that of another putative angiogenic factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The granulosa cells in the primordial and primary follicles were VEGF negative, but at the preantral stage, the granulosa cells showed weakly positive immunostaining for VEGF. However, the VEGF immunostaining in the granulosa cells was weak throughout the folliculogenesis. In contrast, the theca interna cells of developing follicles showed strong staining for VEGF, which was well correlated with the PCNA positivity in the vascular endothelial cells in the thecal layer. In the atretic follicles, the granulosa and theca cells were VEGF negative. In the corpora lutea, VEGF was strongly expressed in both granulosa and theca lutein cells in the early luteal phase when the PCNA positivity in the endothelium increased, but the VEGF staining in these cells became weak in the mid- and late luteal phases. Accordingly, the PCNA positivity in the vascular endothelium was well correlated with the expression of VEGF in the theca cells during follicular development and atresia, and that in the granulosa and theca lutein cells in corpora lutea formation and regression. In addition, the immunolocalization of VEGF was different from that of bFGF.

Angiogenic Factors (VEGF, FGF and IGF) in the Bovine Corpus Luteum.

“…The localization of VEGF in luteal cells was also observed in bovine and human CL [36,42,43]. But in contrast to the bovine CL, the immunostaining in human granulosa and theca lutein cells became weak in the mid and late luteal phase [43]. We could show in the regressed CL that mRNA expression and tissue levels decreased significantly [37,44].…”

“…A higher mRNA expression was also found during the early luteal phase in cow CL by RT-PCR [42]. The localization of VEGF in luteal cells was also observed in bovine and human CL [36,42,43]. But in contrast to the bovine CL, the immunostaining in human granulosa and theca lutein cells became weak in the mid and late luteal phase [43].…”

Involvement of Vitronectin in Lipopolysaccaride-Induced Acute Lung Injury

“…The sections were stained with H&E. Immunoperoxidase staining was performed on the paraffin-embedded sections of mouse lung as described previously (33,34).…”

Effect of Human Endothelial Progenitor Cell (EPC)- or Mouse Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Derived Vessel Formation on the Survival of Vitrified/Warmed Mouse Ovarian Grafts

“…Vascular endothelial growth factor is expressed and produced by thecal and/or granulosa cells in the ovary. 18,19 Experiments in which angiogenic inhibitors or soluble VEGF receptor 1 inhibitors were locally administered into the preovulatory follicles of primates during the spontaneous menstrual cycle revealed that VEGF antagonists impaired ovulation and attenuated subsequent luteal function. 20 Numerous studies have demonstrated that exogenous VEGF expression (at the gene or protein levels) can modulate the development of follicles and vascular networks in the mammalian ovary.…”