Reynolds L P, Redmer D A
Department of Animal & Range Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105-5727, USA.
J Reprod Fertil Suppl. 1999;54:181-91.
The mammalian corpus luteum, which plays a central role in the reproductive process because of its production of hormones such as progesterone, is an exceptionally dynamic organ. Growth and development of the corpus luteum are extremely rapid, and even when the corpus luteum is functionally mature cellular turnover remains high. Associated with this high rate of cell turnover, the mature corpus luteum receives the greatest blood supply per unit tissue of any organ, and also exhibits a relatively high metabolic rate. Central to the growth and development of the corpus luteum, therefore, is luteal vascular growth, which appears to be regulated primarily by the angiogenic growth factors, basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. In addition, the corpus luteum is a complex tissue composed of parenchymal (small and large steroidogenic) and nonparenchymal (for example fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle, pericytes and endothelial) cells. Recent studies evaluating the expression, location and regulation of gap junctions in the corpus luteum indicate an important role of gap junctional intercellular communication in the coordination of function among these diverse cell types during luteal growth and development. These studies will lead to an improved understanding not only of luteal function but also of tissue growth and development in general.
哺乳动物的黄体是一个极具活力的器官，它在生殖过程中起着核心作用，因为它能分泌孕酮等激素。黄体的生长和发育极为迅速，即使在功能成熟时，细胞更新率仍然很高。与这种高细胞更新率相关的是，成熟的黄体在所有器官中单位组织的供血量最大，并且代谢率也相对较高。因此，黄体血管生长是黄体生长和发育的核心，它似乎主要受血管生成生长因子、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子和血管内皮生长因子的调节。此外，黄体是一种复杂的组织，由实质细胞（大小不同的类固醇生成细胞）和非实质细胞（如成纤维细胞、血管平滑肌、周细胞和内皮细胞）组成。最近评估黄体中缝隙连接的表达、位置和调节的研究表明，缝隙连接细胞间通讯在黄体生长和发育过程中协调这些不同细胞类型的功能方面起着重要作用。这些研究不仅将有助于更好地理解黄体功能，还将有助于总体上更好地理解组织生长和发育。
