Angiogenesis of the ovary.

We present current data pertaining to angiogenesis of the ovary throughout the follicular and luteal phases of the ovarian cycle, in various ovarian pathologic conditions and in benign and neoplastic diseases. MEDLINE, Current Contents, and Index Medicus were searched for studies published between January 1966 and October 1998. All studies that incorporated human and animal models of angiogenesis of the normal ovarian physiologic state and pathologic conditions including both benign and neoplastic ovarian diseases were reviewed. Current literature supports that angiogenesis is an important component of both follicular and luteal phases of the ovarian cycle that correlates well with maturation of secretory endometrium. Angiogenesis also participates in various pathologic processes of the ovary, including follicular cyst formation, polycystic ovary, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and both benign and malignant ovarian neoplasms. In the future a knowledge of specific angiogenic patterns of various pathologic processes may assist in the application of antiangiogenic medications in targeted therapy of benign and neoplastic diseases of the ovary.