Ovarian follicles require an adequate blood
supply for oxygen, nutrients and hormones, in addition
to eliminating CO2 and other metabolites. Acquisition of
an adequate vascular supply is probably a limiting step
in the selection and maturation of the dominant follicle.
In this way, there is a progressive interest in the study of
the growth factors involved in the angiogenic process.
In addition, a better understanding about the
mechanisms that regulate the expression and action of
these factors could be a key point to increase the
reproductive performance in females. Therefore, this
review aims to summarize current data on the
importance of the pro- and anti-angiogenic growth
factors which regulate angiogenesis in ovarian follicle
development.
