Production a corpus luteum angiogenic factor responsible for proliferation of capillaries and neovascularization of the corpus luteum.

Factors controlling the changes in the vascular pattern of the ovary that occur during the reproductive cycle have been investigated. By using the rabbit cornea, the abilities of ovarian corpus luteum and of follicles to induce neovascularization have been compared. While the corpus luteum is capable of inducing neovascularization, the follicles do not have this ability. It is therefore likely that the corpus luteum actively participates in its own neovascularization by secreting a factor that we have called "corpus leutem angiogenic factor" (CLAF).