The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor 2 pathway is critical for blood vessel survival in corpora lutea of pregnancy in the rodent.

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) pathway regulates proliferation, survival, and permeability of vasculature. This pathway is active during the formation of a corpus luteum, a highly vascularized, endocrine organ with a short life span during the nonpregnant state. In the pregnant state, the life span of corpora lutea is much longer because they play a critical role in supporting pregnancy development.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-mediated angiogenesis is essential for gonadotropin-dependent follicle development.

Gonadotropins induce ovarian follicle growth that is coincident with increased follicular vasculature, suggesting a role of angiogenesis in follicle development. Functional studies performed in nonhuman primates show that administration of substances that inactivate VEGF block the development and function of preovulatory follicles as demonstrated by histological analysis or hormone measurements. Blockage of function of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) alters follicular hormone secretion, suggesting that the intraovarian effect of VEGF might be mediated by this receptor.