The endometrial lymphatic vasculature: function and dysfunction

JE Girling, PAW Rogers - Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 2012 - Springer
Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 2012Springer
The endometrium has a complex and dynamic blood and lymphatic vasculature which
undergoes regular cycles of growth and breakdown. While we now have a detailed picture
of the endometrial blood vasculature, our understanding of the lymphatic vasculature in the
endometrium is limited. Recent studies have illustrated that the endometrium contains a
population of lymphatic vessels with restricted distribution in the functional layer relative to
the basal layer. The mechanisms responsible for this restricted distribution and the …
Abstract
The endometrium has a complex and dynamic blood and lymphatic vasculature which undergoes regular cycles of growth and breakdown. While we now have a detailed picture of the endometrial blood vasculature, our understanding of the lymphatic vasculature in the endometrium is limited. Recent studies have illustrated that the endometrium contains a population of lymphatic vessels with restricted distribution in the functional layer relative to the basal layer. The mechanisms responsible for this restricted distribution and the consequences for endometrial function are not known. This review will summarise our current understanding of endometrial lymphatics, including the mechanisms regulating their growth and function. The potential contribution of lymphatic vessels and lymphangiogenic growth factors to various endometrial disorders will be discussed.
Springer