ウシ卵巣における血管系の役割　－卵胞、黄体における血流およびホルモン分泌の変化－

A transpectal color Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess changes in the ovarian structures and to determine blood flow that tale place in the follicle wall and within the corpus luteum (CL) dring specific physiological events such as ovulation, CL development, and CL regression in cows. To investigate the local release of vasoactive peptides, steroid hormones, and prostaglandins (PGs) in each ovarian structure, the capillary membranes (0.2mm diameter and 5-10mm length) of a microdialysis system (MDS) were implanted surgically implanted into the follicle wall or within the CL along with ovarian venous and jugular catheters to collect simultaneous, real-time information on the ovarian and systemic change in the secretion of factors regulating vascular function. Based on the results obtained from in vivo experiments, it was proposed that a physiological relevant "cross-talk" between the vascular components (endothelial cells) and steroidogenic cells occur in the bovine ovary particularly during ovulation, CL formation and regression.