Corpus Luteum Function and Regulation in Mammalian Reproduction
Summary
The corpus luteum is a transient endocrine structure formed from the remnants of the ovarian follicle following ovulation. Its principal role is the synthesis and secretion of progesterone, a steroid hormone essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Luteinization transforms granulosa and theca cells into large and small luteal cells, respectively, which together orchestrate high levels of progesterone production. This process is tightly regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH) via LH receptor signalling, which activates intracellular kinases and metabolic pathways that fuel steroidogenesis. Angiogenesis accompanies luteal formation to ensure an adequate blood supply, while local cytokines and immune cells modulate vascular and cellular dynamics. At the end of its functional lifespan, luteolysis—triggered by prostaglandin F2α in many species—leads to structural regression of the corpus luteum and a decline in progesterone, permitting a new cycle of follicular development. Disruptions in any aspect of luteal formation, maintenance or regression can compromise fertility in both humans and production animals. Recent advances in metabolomics, lipid droplet biology and inter-organelle communication have shed light on the biochemical underpinnings of luteal function, with implications for fertility treatments, livestock breeding and novel contraceptive strategies.
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Corpus Luteum Function and Regulation in Mammalian Reproduction publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in corpus luteum function and regulation in mammalian reproduction across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Corpus luteum: A temporary endocrine gland formed post-ovulation that secretes progesterone.
Luteinization: The process by which follicular granulosa and theca cells differentiate into progesterone-producing luteal cells.
Luteolysis: Regression of the corpus luteum, marked by structural involution and decline in progesterone secretion.
Progesterone: The principal gestational steroid hormone produced by the corpus luteum.
Luteinizing hormone (LH): A pituitary gonadotropin that triggers ovulation, luteal formation and progesterone biosynthesis.
Steroidogenesis: The biosynthetic pathway converting cholesterol into steroid hormones within luteal cells.
Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels, critical for supplying nutrients to the developing corpus luteum.
References
- Metabolic control of luteinizing hormone-responsive ovarian steroidogenesis. Journal of Biological Chemistry (2024).
- Unraveling the role of lipid droplets and perilipin 2 in bovine luteal cells. The FASEB Journal (2024).
- Luteinizing Hormone Regulation of Inter-Organelle Communication and Fate of the Corpus Luteum. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2021).
- Cytokines and Angiogenesis in the Corpus Luteum. Mediators of Inflammation (2013).
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