The Rodent Corpus Luteum

  • Paula Accialini
  • Silvia F. Hernandez
  • Dalhia Abramovich
  • Marta Tesone
Chapter
First Online:

Abstract

The corpus luteum (CL) is a tissue having great differences among species. Rodents have particular features in CL formation, function, and regression. The different types of mammalian corpora lutea can be classified in CL of pregnancy, cyclic CL, CL of lactation, and CL of pseudo-pregnancy. Among mammals, only rodents present the four types of corpora lutea.

Rodents are an excellent model to study reproductive physiology. Advantages of this animal model include their small size, their high reproductive rate, and the possibility to obtain inbred strains. Transgenic technologies developed in mice are also a helpful strategy to study gene function. Knowing the similarities and differences among mammalian species is crucial to translate the findings described in rodents to other species.

In the present chapter, we review the regulation of luteinization, the multiple factors involved in this process, the structure and function of the CL, including remodeling, development, and the mechanisms involved in the survival and regression of CL. In particular, we describe the role of the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in CL function.

Keywords

Ovary Ovulation Steroidogenesis LH PGF2α PRL Angiogenesis VEGF Notch 
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  • Paula Accialini
    • 1
  • Silvia F. Hernandez
    • 1
  • Dalhia Abramovich
    • 1
  • Marta Tesone
    • 1
  1. 1.Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Tumoral del OvarioInstituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET)Buenos AiresArgentina

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