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4, 2000
Accepted for publication: April 14, 2000
The Microvasculature of the Ovary: A Review by SEM of Vascular
Corrosion Casts
Guido MACCHIARELLI
Department of Anatomy, University of Rome La Sapienza, Via A. Borelli 50,
Rome 00161, Italy
Abstract. The vascular changes of the ovary were studied by scanning electron microscopy of
vascular corrosion casts in estrous, pseudopregnant (stimulated with human chorionic
gonadotropin hCG) and pregnant rabbits. The results demonstrated that ovarian cycle and
pregnancy may induce both structural and functional changes in the ovarian vessels. In fact the
ovarian blood vessels adapted their structure to the temporary functional needs of the recruited
follicles or corpora lutea. These changes involved both larger ovarian blood vessels (supplying the
hilus and the medulla) and cortical blood vessels (supplying the luteo-follicular complexes). Hilar
and medullary blood vessels also displayed morphological devices for the continuous control of the
blood flow (spiral arteries) and for the local recirculation of endocrine products (artero-venous
contacts). Such contacts, may likely sustain a "countercurrent mechanism" which was also shown in
ovaries of other species. Scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts even
demonstrated that cortical blood vessels are subjected to continuous remodeling. SEM showed
different morphological types of vascular plexuses which supplied antral follicles (Types 12),
atretic follicles (Types 34), peri-ovulatory follicles (Type 5), growing pseudopregnant corpora lutea
(Type 6) regressing pseudopregnant corpora lutea (Type 7) and pregnant corpora lutea (Type 8). In
estrous rabbit, growing to mature follicles (Types 12) showed a gradual enlargement and
proliferation of the theca capillaries. These changes, associated with capillary hyper-
permeabilization were observed in ovulatory and post-ovulatory follicles (Type 5), after hCG
stimulation. The corpus luteum formation (Type 6 and 8) was accompanied by additional capillary
dilation, diffuse angiogenetic sprouting and organization of conspicuous venous drainage which
appeared more enhanced in pregnant (type 8) than in pseudopregnant (type 6) corpora lutea. The
regression of the corpus luteum (Type 7) was characterized by the appearance of avascular areas
within the gland and by regression of vascular dilatation. Finally, in estrous rabbit the atretic
follicles (Types 34) wall showed large interruptions (avascular areas) and focal invasion of the
central cavity by newly formed capillaries arranged randomly. The hCG stimulation did not affect
consistently the interstitial microvasculature. It is concluded that the gradual increase of ovarian
blood flow occuring during follicle growth and corpora lutea formation is provided by a functional
adaptation of major ovarian vessels and by capillary functional (vasodilation) and structural
(angiogenesis) support as well.
Key words: Ovary, Blood vessels, Capillary, Corrosion casts, Angiogenesis, Scanning electron
microscopy, Rabbit.
(J. Reprod. Dev. 46: 207225, 2000)
ndocrine and ovulatory activities of the ovary
have strict and continuous relationship with
Review
blood vessels changes. In fact, during the
reproductive period, the whole ovarian vascular
bed undergoes specific alterations induced by the
cyclic changes in the size and in the morphology
208 MACCHIARELLI et al.
of the ovary. These modifications, both functional
and structural in nature, mainly involve the ovarian
microvasculature supplying the luteo-follicular
complex (LFC) [15]. In addition, the vessels
forming the ovarian pedicle and running in the
hilus have structural characteristics of relevant
functional significance during the ovarian cycle [6
8].
Historical Background
The above considerations suggest that a fine
evaluation of the morphology and distribution of
ovarian vessels, especially if studied by a three-
dimensional (3D) approach, gains deep significance
to the understanding of whole ovarian function.
In the past, 3D studies of ovarian vascularization
were performed by light microscopic observations
of serial sections of dye-injected samples [912],
followed by graphic reconstruction and drawings.
Angiography [13, 14], diaphanoscopy [15, 16] and
microangiography of sectioned ovaries [15, 17] have
also been usefully applied to the study of the
anatomy and topography of the ovarian vessels.
In addition, direct observation of corroded or
clarified vascular casts, after injection of colored
latex [18, 19], Micropaque