The human corpus luteum: life cycle and function in natural cycles.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize recent advances in the understanding of the endocrine signaling pathways between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and human corpus luteum (CL); to examine the major paracrine and autocrine mechanisms and the key genes and proteins involved in CL development, function, and regression in natural cycles; to review the endocrine and molecular response of the midluteal phase CL to in vivo administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); and to describe the ultrasonographic and Doppler evaluation of the ovary and endometrium throughout the luteal phase.


METHODS
Published data in the literature, including the basic and clinical research studies of the authors.


METHODS
University-affiliated hospital and research centers.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Clinical and molecular analysis of human CL function.


RESULTS
The endocrine function of the subpopulations of luteal cells is critical for the maintenance of CL function, including neovacularization and steroid hormones production. We consider the key genes and proteins that favor development of luteal structure and function throughout the menstrual cycle and in our model of hCG treatment resembling early pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that the functional lifespan of the CL depends on paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. Therefore, the significance of the key genes and proteins that we analyze in lutein cells during CL development, function, demise, and rescue by hCG is likely to bring new therapeutic applications for the management of fertility defects and the control of fertility.
Devoto
Luigi
L
Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Clínico San Borja-Arriarán, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. Electronic address: ldevoto@med.uchile.cl.
Fuentes
Ariel
A
Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Clínico San Borja-Arriarán, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Kohen
Paulina
P
Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Clínico San Borja-Arriarán, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Céspedes
Pablo
P
Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Clínico San Borja-Arriarán, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Palomino
Alberto
A
Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Clínico San Borja-Arriarán, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Pommer
Ricardo
R
Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Clínico San Borja-Arriarán, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Muñoz
Alex
A
Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Clínico San Borja-Arriarán, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Strauss
Jerome F
JF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia.
D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000502:physiology*; D034461:Luteinization / Q000502:physiology; D003341:Luteolysis / Q000502:physiology; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D014463:Ultrasonography