Angiogenesis in reproductive tissues

Angiogenesis is the process of generating new capillaries and leads, therefore, to vascularization of tissues. This process occurs during embryological development and during pathological and physiological conditions in adult life, including those involving the reproductive organs. Recent studies, in the field of tumour biology in particular, have led to the identification of several factors responsible for inducing angiogenesis and the elucidation of ways of modulating their activity. This review summarizes our knowledge of angiogenesis in the ovary, testis, endometrium and placenta, and suggests ways in which further research might contribute to a better understanding of the processes controlling reproduction and identify new approaches to the regulation of fertility.