Nerve growth factor induces vascular endothelial growth factor expression in granulosa cells via a trkA receptor/mitogen-activated protein kinase-extracellularly regulated kinase 2-dependent pathway.

Abstract

Acquisition of ovulatory competence by antral follicles requires development of an adequate vascular supply. Although it is well established that ovarian angiogenesis is cyclically regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the factors controlling VEGF production by ovarian follicles remain largely unknown. Nerve growth factor (NGF) may be one of these factors, because NGF promotes angiogenesis and synthesis of angiogenic factors in other tissues and is produced by human granulosa cells (hGCs).