ABSTRACT
The human endometrium undergoes regular periods of growth and regression during the menstrual cycle, including concomitant changes in the endometrial vasculature. It therefore provides an excellent model for the study of physiological angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. These processes can be considered components of a continuum of vascular development, with considerable overlap and interaction between the mechanisms by which they are controlled. In recent years, a picture of increasing complexity and subtlety is emerging regarding the mechanisms and regulation of endometrial angiogenesis. In contrast, there is a relative paucity of information on endometrial arteriogenesis. Endometrial lymphangiogenesis has also received little attention, due until recently to the lack of adequate tools for identifying lymphatic endothelial cells and accurately distinguishing them from blood vascular endothelial cells.
